Public Safety Complaints

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Public Safety Complaints

Complaints Against Police or Fire Employees

Complaints against members of the Pantego Police Department (PPD) and Pantego Fire Department (PFD) including racial profiling or any other allegation of wrongdoing shall be taken seriously. The Town of Pantego takes all complaints seriously and will thoroughly investigate each complaint received and notify the complainant of the outcome.

Who can make a complaint? Any person who believes they have been the victim of unprofessional or illegal treatment or who believes that they have been subjected to racial profiling by any public safety or law enforcement official is urged to file a complaint in the form most convenient — whether that be email, postal mail, in-person, via telephone, or by fax. Contact information is below. Other persons may be asked to provide statements as witnesses during the investigation process.

What is Racial Profiling? As defined by Texas Law, "racial profiling" means a law enforcement-initiated action based on an individual's race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than on the individual's behavior or on information identifying the individual as having engaged in criminal activity.”

How do I make a complaint? When a citizen has a complaint against a police or fire employee (sworn or civilian), they may contact the Chief of that department (see below). Complaints that are relatively minor in nature will be directed to the employee's supervisor. Allegations of serious misconduct, including racial profiling, will be forwarded to the Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Department. Texas Law requires that all complaints against public safety officers, which may result in disciplinary action, be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. This may not be required for complaints of misconduct that are less serious. All complaints should be made within thirty (30) days of the incident unless special circumstances exist.

What happens when a complaint is upheld? When the investigation finds that the charges the employee are true, the Chief of Public Safety notifies the employee and may take one of the following actions:

verbal or written reprimand
suspension (with or without pay)
demotion
termination
other action(s) allowable under controlling statutes, regulations, and policies

What happens when a complaint is not upheld? Complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. When the investigation cannot find the degree of evidence necessary to prove the employee acted improperly, the employee and the citizen are both notified in writing.

What are the consequences of filing a false complaint? Filing a false complaint against a police or fire employee is a violation of the Texas Penal Code, Section 37.02. If a person knowingly and intentionally makes a false statement under oath or swears to the truth of a false statement previously made under oath, a person may be found guilty and punished by a fine of up to $4,000.00, confinement in jail for up to one year, or both.