How are complaints investigated?

OPO conducts oversight of investigations into both internal and external complaints. Specifically, the OPO:

• Reviews information gathered by APD
• Attends interviews conducted by APD
• Provides progress updates to the individual who submitted the complaint
• Recommends potential policy violation(s) and classification
• Communicate the outcome of an investigation once APD has made a final determination

APD is responsible for determining the classification of each investigation:

Class A complaints are the most serious allegations that APD investigates. These may result in discipline up to and including indefinite suspension.

Class B complaints are less serious allegations that APD investigates. These may result in discipline up to and including a 15-day suspension.

Class C complaints are allegations that do not qualify as Class A or Class B. APD generally does not investigate these complaints. Whether or not a Class C complaint is investigated, it is addressed through internal APD processes.

Class D complaints are allegations in which APD has determined there is no policy violation.

APD is responsible for determining the result of an investigation and making a disciplinary decision, OPO does not make any disciplinary decisions. The outcome of an investigation that APD has conducted are listed below:

• Sustained: The investigation reveals that the incident occurred and violated policy
• Exonerated: The investigation reveals that the incident occurred but did not violate policy
• Unfounded: The investigation reveals that the incident did not happen
• Inconclusive: There is not enough evidence to show whether the incident occurred
• Administratively Closed: There were no allegations, or there was no misconduct, the case was classified as a Class C or Class D complaint, or at the discretion of the Chief or their designee