Complaints Against Personnel

Purpose of the Complaint Process

Citizens are encouraged to contact the chief of police or the on-duty supervisor if they wish to express their satisfaction or disappointment concerning their interaction with a sworn or civilian employee.

The chief and/or his designee supervisor are responsible for handling all investigations and inquiries into complaints and allegations made against sworn and civilian employees of the Richmond Police Department. This process is important to ensure that the integrity of the police department and quality of service remains intact. Furthermore, members of the public should feel comfortable sharing their observations, experience(s), feedback, and/or complaint(s) about the people that have been empowered to serve and protect them. Each investigation shall be conducted objectively, thoroughly, and without bias.

Procedure for Filing a Compliment or Complaint

You may file your complaints/praise with the Chief of Police via phone, mail, or email. Compliments and complaints should include as much of the following information as possible: 

• Your name, address & phone number(s)
• The name, rank, and badge number (if known) of the police officer involved
• The date, time and location of the incident
• The nature of your complaint/praise
• Any witness information including name(s), address(es), and phone number(s)

Please send your compliments or complaints to:

Chief Elwood M. Johnson, Jr.
Richmond Police Department
P.O. Box 203, Wyoming, RI 02898
Phone: 401-539-8289
Email

Investigative Process

Thorough and objective investigations shall always follow complaints that are made against employees of the Richmond Police Department. Depending on the nature of the allegation, an investigation may include interviews and/or memorialized accounts by complainants, witnesses, and our employees, along with collection and analysis of relevant documentary, physical, and other forms of evidence. All investigations shall be conducted in accordance with department policy, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the provisions of the Rhode Island Law Enforcement Officers’ Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act under State law.

Notification and Conclusion

A comprehensive investigation will generally end with one of three determined classifications: founded (proven), unfounded (disproven) or unsubstantiated (insufficient evidence to prove or disprove). Complainants will be notified in writing at the conclusion of any internal investigation. By law, we are generally restricted from commenting on matters concerning confidential inquiries into personnel matters. However, appropriate corrective action and/or discipline is applied when allegations are substantiated. In an effort to improve the future performance of the respective employee, counseling and/or remedial training may be implemented regardless of an unsubstantiated finding.