Complaints

The Fairfield Township 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 policy and applicable federal, state, and local law, local rules, and the requirements of any collective bargaining agreement.

It is also the policy of this department to ensure that the community can report misconduct without concern for reprisal and retaliation.

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. Although not required, we encourage complainants to file complaints in person so that proper identification, signatures, photographs, or physical evidence may be obtained as necessary.

Complaint Classifications

Personnel complaints shall be classified in one of the following categories:

Informal – A matter in which the supervisor 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 Chief's Designee, 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 or the Chief's Designee, such matters may be further investigated depending on the seriousness of the complaint and the availability of sufficient information.

Filing a Complaint

  • Personnel complaint forms are maintained in a clearly visible location in the police department lobby and is accessible on the department website. (Download the complaint form)
  • You may file a complaint in-person at the police department during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m.). The police department address is 6485 Vonnie Vale Court, Fairfield Township, Ohio 45011
  • You can call the police department during business hours at 513-785-4174.
  • You can call after business hours by calling dispatch at 513-785-1300.

Dispositions

Each personnel complaint shall be classified with one of the following dispositions:

Unfounded – When the investigation discloses that the alleged acts did not occur or did not involve department members. Complaints that are determined to be frivolous will fall within the classification of unfounded.

Exonerated – When the investigation discloses that the alleged act occurred but that the act was justified, lawful and/or proper.

Not sustained – When the investigation discloses that there is insufficient evidence to sustain the complaint or fully exonerate the member.

Sustained – When the investigation discloses sufficient evidence to establish that the act occurred and that it constituted misconduct.

Types of Disciplinary Action

  • Employee Counseling
  • Verbal Reprimand (reduced to writing)
  • Written Reprimand
  • Suspension
  • Demotion
  • Termination