Filing Commendations, Complaints & Suggestions

The Police Department values input from the community and encourages citizens to submit suggestions that will help enhance our services and programs. Additionally of value are commendations, or complaints against the department's police officers, dispatchers, other department employees, or procedures.

With community feedback, we can protect citizens from actual misconduct by an employee, protect the department and employees who conduct themselves appropriately, and identify policies and procedures that may need review or change.

Submitting Commendations

Our Police Department employees are committed to providing the best service possible. When you receive service from a department employee who you believe is worthy of a commendation, we would like to hear about it!

Please submit a Citizen Comment Form that includes all of the information you can remember, such as the employee's name, the date, time, and circumstance of the service. Employees and their supervisors will be notified of your commendation, and a copy of the commendation will be placed in the employee's personnel file.

Filing a Complaint & the Investigation Process

Who May File a Complaint?

Anyone who is directly involved in or who witnesses an incident may file a complaint. They do not have to be a legal resident or citizen of the United States to file a complaint. In the case of a juvenile, it is the department's policy to notify the parent(s) or guardian of the juvenile whenever a complaint is received.

How to File a Complaint

Complaints may be filed by submitting a Citizen Comment Form or by telephoning the on-duty Watch Commander or Chief of Police.

To ensure a complete investigation, the Citizen Comment Form must include as much information as possible to support the complaint. All complaints against department employees are confidential.

The Complaint Investigation Process

The Claremont Police Department takes all complaints seriously. When the department receives a complaint, it is referred to the Chief of Police. The Chief assigns the complaint to the appropriate supervisor for investigation, and sends a letter to the complainant to confirm that their complaint has been received and assigned for investigation.

The investigator will review all of the preliminary information received, obtain any additional information, and interview all of the witnesses.

In most situations, it will be necessary to speak to the complainant in person. Should the complainant feel uncomfortable for any reason or find it inconvenient to meet at the Police Station, an alternative location may be arranged.

To ensure that a complaint is thoroughly investigated, the Chief of Police submits his determination to the Police Review Ad Hoc (PRAH) Committee prior to advising the complainant about the outcome of the investigation.

The Police Commission & PRAH
The purpose of the Police Commission is to facilitate dialogue on issues related to the Police Department and to create a climate of mutual respect and partnership among community members and the Police Department.

The PRAH is made up of two to three Police Commissioners who are appointed by the City Council.

After reviewing all of the facts, the Chief of Police will make the final decision on the validity of the complaint. The decision will be one of four findings:

  • Sustained – The investigation disclosed sufficient evidence to prove the truth of the allegation in the complaint by preponderance of evidence.
  • Exonerated – The investigation clearly established that the actions of personnel that formed the basis of the complaint are not a violation of law or agency policy.
  • Not Sustained – The investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegation in the complaint.
  • Unfounded – The investigation clearly established that the allegation is not true.

If it is determined that a department employee acted improperly, he or she will be subject to discipline by the department. If an officer's actions are found to be criminal, the matter will be referred to the District Attorney's Office. By law, the results of police personnel investigations are confidential and cannot be disclosed to the public. However, both the complainant and officer will receive written notification of the decision within 30 days of the disposition.

How to Submit Citizen Comment Forms

Also available at:

  • City Hall - 207 Harvard Avenue
  • Claremont Library - 208 Harvard Avenue
  • Claremont Police Department - 570 W. Bonita Avenue
  • Alexander Hughes Center - 1700 Danbury Road
  • Youth Activity Center - 1717 N. Indian Hill Boulevard

Additional Agencies

The following agencies may also be contacted:

U.S. Department of Justice
 Community Relations Service
888 Figueroa Street, Suite 2010
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213-894-2941
Fax: 213-894-2880

Office of the Attorney General - Los Angeles
300 Spring Street #1700
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: 800-952-5225

District Attorney's Office
400 Civic Center Plaza, Room 201
Pomona, CA 91766
Phone: 909-620-3350

F.B.I.
1050 Lakes Dr
West Covina, CA 91790
Phone: 626-919-3434

Grand Jury
Los Angeles County
210 West Temple Street, 13th Floor, Room 13-303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-974-3993

Contact

City Council Office
(909) 399-5444

On-duty Watch Commander
(909) 399-5411

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