Citizen/Internal Affairs Complaint Procedure

Anyone may file a complaint or allegation as to the conduct of an officer or other employee of the Warren Police Department by telephone (401-245-1311), facsimile (401-245-8220) or in writing  (Warren Police Department, 1 Joyce Street, Warren, RI 02885)

           
General Order # 08-01 issued in June 2001, specifically notes “ … whenever a person presents themselves to police personnel with a citizen complaint or internal affairs complaint relative to the conduct, action or inaction of a police employee, such complaint shall be referred to the on-duty supervisor without delay. It shall be the duty of the on-duty supervisor to assist the citizen in completing the official Warren Police Department form known as the Citizen Complaint/ Internal Affairs Complaint Report”

           
Contingent upon the nature of the complaint, a complete investigation will follow in accord with governing policy, procedure, State Laws and collective bargaining agreement provisions. Upon the conclusion of most investigations, generally most complainants will be notified in writing of the investigation’s determination.  Usually one of three determinations will result: founded, unfounded or unsubstantiated.

If you have had a negative interaction with a member of this Department and wish to file a complaint, please print out Citizen Complaint /Internal Affairs Complaint Report or pick one up at Warren Police Headquarters. After you complete the report, submit by any of the methods mentioned above. The Department will accept anonymous information, but we would prefer to have your name and address in order to apprise you of the case determination.