Citizen Complaint Process
The Elida Police Department is committed to serving the public with professionalism, fairness, and accountability. As part of that commitment, we have established a formal process for citizens to report concerns regarding the conduct of our officers or staff.
If you believe you’ve experienced or witnessed misconduct, we encourage you to review the information below and complete a Citizen Complaint Form. This process ensures that all concerns are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and impartially.
How the Process Works
Complaints may be submitted in person, by phone, or anonymously. Once received, your complaint will be reviewed and investigated by a supervisor or the Chief of Police, depending on the nature of the allegation. You will be contacted as part of the investigation, and once the review is complete, you will receive a formal response outlining the findings.
- Complaints are classified into one of five categories:
- Unfounded – Allegation was determined to be false
- Exonerated – Allegation was true, but the officer acted lawfully
- Inconclusive – Insufficient evidence to support or disprove the allegation
- Sustained – Evidence supports the allegation
- Other Misconduct Sustained – Original allegation not sustained, but other misconduct was found
If misconduct is confirmed, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with department policy.
Download the Full Policy & Complaint Form
If you have questions during or after submitting a complaint, please contact the Chief’s office at 419-339-2811.