Policy Text
Policy
1007San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentPersonnel Complaints - 1Personnel Complaints
1007.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the reporting, investigation and disposition of complaints
regarding the conduct of members of the San Luis Obispo Police Department. This policy shall not
apply to any questioning, counseling, instruction, informal verbal admonishment or other routine
or unplanned contact of a member in the normal course of duty, by a supervisor or any other
member, nor shall this policy apply to a criminal investigation.
1007.2 POLICY
The San Luis Obispo Police Department takes seriously all complaints regarding the service
provided by the Department and the conduct of its members.
The Department will accept and address all complaints of misconduct in accordance with this
policy and applicable federal, state and local law, municipal and county rules and the requirements
of any collective bargaining agreements.
It is also the policy of this department to ensure that the community can report misconduct without
concern for reprisal or retaliation.
1007.2.1 AVAILABILITY OF COMPLAINT FORMS
Personnel complaint forms will be maintained in a clearly visible location in the public lobby.
1007.3 PERSONNEL COMPLAINTS
Personnel complaints include any allegation of misconduct or improper job performance that, if
true, would constitute a violation of department policy or of federal, state or local law, policy or
rule. Personnel complaints may be generated internally or by the public.
Inquiries about conduct or performance that, if true, would not violate department policy or federal,
state or local law, policy or rule may be handled informally by a supervisor and shall not be
considered a personnel complaint. Such inquiries generally include clarification regarding policy,
procedures or the response to specific incidents by the Department.
1007.3.1 COMPLAINT CLASSIFICATIONS
Personnel complaints shall be classified in one of the following categories:
Informal - A matter in which the Watch Commander is satisfied that appropriate action has been
taken by a supervisor of rank greater than the accused member.
Formal - A matter in which a supervisor determines that further action is warranted. Such
complaints may be investigated by a supervisor of rank greater than the accused member or
referred to the Internal Affairs Bureau, depending on the seriousness and complexity of the
investigation.
Incomplete - A matter in which the complaining party either refuses to cooperate or becomes
unavailable after diligent follow-up investigation. At the discretion of the assigned supervisor
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Personnel Complaints
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentPersonnel Complaints - 2or the Internal Affairs Bureau, such matters may be further investigated depending on the
seriousness of the complaint and the availability of sufficient information.
1007.3.2 SOURCES OF COMPLAINTS
The following applies to the source of complaints:
(a)Individuals from the public may make complaints in any form, including in writing, by
email, in person or by telephone.
(b)Any department member becoming aware of alleged misconduct shall immediately
notify a supervisor.
(c)Supervisors shall initiate a complaint based upon observed misconduct or receipt from
any source alleging misconduct that, if true, could result in disciplinary action.
(d)Anonymous and third-party complaints should be accepted and investigated to the
extent that sufficient information is provided.
(e)Tort claims and lawsuits may generate a personnel complaint.
1007.4 AVAILABILITY AND ACCEPTANCE OF COMPLAINTS
1007.4.1 COMPLAINT FORMS
Personnel complaint forms will be maintained in a clearly visible location in the public area of
the police facility and be accessible through the department website. Forms may also be available
at other City facilities.
Personnel complaint forms in languages other than English may also be provided, as determined
necessary or practicable.
1007.4.2 ACCEPTANCE
All complaints will be courteously accepted by any department member and promptly given to
the appropriate supervisor. Although written complaints are preferred, a complaint may also be
filed orally, either in person or by telephone. Such complaints will be directed to a supervisor. If
a supervisor is not immediately available to take an oral complaint, the receiving member shall
obtain contact information sufficient for the supervisor to contact the complainant. The supervisor,
upon contact with the complainant, shall complete and submit a complaint form as appropriate.
Although not required, complainants should be encouraged to file complaints in person so
that proper identification, signatures, photographs, or physical evidence may be obtained as
necessary.
A complainant shall be provided with a copy of the complaining party's statement at the time it is
filed with the Department (Penal Code § 832.7).
1007.4.3 AVAILABILITY OF WRITTEN PROCEDURES
The Department shall make available to the public a written description of the investigation
procedures for complaints (Penal Code § 832.5).
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Personnel Complaints
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentPersonnel Complaints - 31007.4.4 HATE COMPLAINTS AGAINST PEACE OFFIC