Citizen Complaint Procedures

 To effectively investigate allegations of inappropriate behavior or performance the Kankakee Police Department has established an efficient system to address each citizens concern. Below is a list of the process.

1.                  If you have a complaint that cannot be remedied with an initial discussion with a police officer or supervisor, ask to fill out a formal citizen complaint. A Preliminary Citizen Complaint Fact Sheet along with an Affidavit, and/or a Complaint Resolution Form will be issued to you.

2.                  Please fill out the Preliminary Citizen Complaint Fact Sheet as thoroughly as possible, this form will be used by the City Inspector to document your complaint and initiate a file.

3.                  The Affidavit is a document signed by each complainant, affirming that all information is true and correct to their best recollection. If it is verified that false statements were made, state criminal charges (Chapter 720, 5/26-1A4) can be filed, and you may be liable for civil action for slander by the accused employee.

4.                  A completed Complaint Resolution Form acknowledges a discussion of the facts you believe support your complaint and the desire for the matter to be handled through a supervisory review without formal interviews and as a satisfactory conclusion.

5.                  Preliminary Citizen Complaint Fact Sheet and the included documents are then turned into a supervisor, at which time they will collect an officer(s) statement and necessary paperwork (case report, incident report, arrest information, etc.), and provide it for the City Inspector.

6.                  The City Inspector will review all documents. Attempts will be made to contact each complainant to schedule an interview for further investigation (excluding those complaints settled by resolution). This interview is typically audio taped, and does not exceed (20) minutes. If you have not heard from the City Inspector, and it has been over two weeks from your initial complaint, you can contact Don Flett at (815) 936-3604, or at (815) 933-0401.

7.                  The City Inspector may contact you for additional information, interviews, or witness information. As an investigation continues, you will be contacted using the contact information that you provide on the initial complaint to inform you of your complaints status. 

8.                  As soon as all information is gathered, a case summary is provided by the City Inspector of all facts of the incidents to the Chief of Police. A judgment will be made, and you will be contacted with that information from the Chief of Police. Again – if you have any questions about the complaint or any part of the process, contact City Inspector Don Flett at (815) 936-3604, or at (815) 933-0401.

9.                  If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact a patrol supervisor at either (815) 933-0407, or 933-0408. If there is no answer, call KANCOM (telecommunications) to notify a supervisor to call you back with your concern. All anonymous complaints will be handled by a patrol shift supervisor, unless the complaint involves that officer or if the Chief of Police assigns the complaint to the City Inspector.

The Kankakee Police Department is committed to the community and providing the most effective professional law enforcement services possible.