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City of Southside Place, Harris County Texas

Complaint Against An Officer

 

It is the desire of The Southside Place Police Department to fully investigate any and all complaints of misconduct against any employee of the department. In accordance with the law, (Title 6 Government Code), such a complaint must be made in writing and signed by the complainant. You may contact the Police Department by calling

(713) 668-2341 or mail your written, signed statement to :

 

Southside Place Police Department

Internal Affairs

6309 Edloe

Houston,Texas  77005

 

 

 

 

GOVERNMENT CODE

 

Title 6. Public Officers And Employees

 

Chapter 614. Peace Officers And Fire Fighters

 

Subchapter B. Complaint Against Law Enforcement Officer Or Fire Fighters

 

 

Sec. 614.021. Applicability of Subchapter. This subchapter applies only to a complaint against:

 

(1)   A law enforcement officer of the State of Texas, including an officer of the Department of Public Safety or of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission;

(2)   A firefighter who is not covered by a civil service statute; or

(3)   A police officer that is not covered by a civil service statute

 

  

 

Procedures For Filing A Complaint

 

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd leg. Ch. 268, sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. sec. 614.023. Copy of complaint to be in writing and signed by complainant. To be considered by the head of a state agency or by the head of a fire or police department, the complaint must be:

 

(1)   In writing, and

(2)   Signed by the person making the complaint.

 

 Added by Acts 1993, 73rd leg., ch. 268 sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,1993. sec. 614.023. Copy of complaint to be given to officer or employee.

(a)   A copy of a signed complaint against a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or police officer shall be given to the officer or employee within a reasonable time after complaint is filed.

(b)   Disciplinary action may not be taken against the officer or employee unless a copy of the signed complaint is given to the officer or employee. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd leg., ch. 268, sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,1993.

 

 

 

 

Notes Of Decision

 

In General

 

Statute does not provide sole avenue by which complaint against police officer may be processed and does not conflict with Dallas city charter procedures whereby citizens may initiate misconduct proceeding against officers to employees in classified service. Graves vs City of Dallas (civ. App. 1975) 532 S. 2d 106. Ref. n.r.e. Letters from internal affairs investigator which directed police officer to respond to three specific acts of misconduct constituted compliance with statute as it was in writing, signed by the person making the complaint, and presented to the affected officer prior to the taking of disciplinary action. Fudge vs Haggar (civ. App. 1981) 621 s. w.2d 196. Ref. n.r.e.
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