Citizen Complaints Against Officers
2007 4th Quarter

All citizen complaints against officers are documented and investigated by the department’s supervisors. Once the investigation is complete it is reviewed by the Section Commander, Division Commander and then forwarded to the Office of the Chief where the decision is made as to the finding of the complaint. Complaints questioning the basis for a citation or arrest are not documented and those complainants are advised to go through the court system.

There are four different categories of complaint findings:

• Sustained - The investigation produced a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegation did in fact occur and the action of the officer was improper.
• Not Sustained - The investigation failed to produce a preponderance of evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation.
• Exonerated - The allegation in fact did occur but the actions of the officer were legal, justified, proper, and in accordance with the law and the department’s policies and procedures.
• Unfounded - The allegation in fact did not occur, based on the evidence.

Throughout the 4th quarter of 2007, the Sioux Falls Police Department responded to 19,202 calls for service. 6,985 traffic stops were made. 12,588 citations were issued 2,040 adult arrests and 508 juvenile arrests were made.

During this period, there were no citizen’s complaints against officers.