City of Novato, CA
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A MESSAGE FROM NOVATO POLICE
We would like to emphasize that a relationship of trust and confidence between members of the department and the community we serve is essential to effective policing. Police officers must be free to exercise their best judgment and to conduct themselves in a reasonable, lawful and impartial manner without fear of reprisal. So, too, enforcers of the law have a special obligation to respect the rights of all persons.
The Novato Police Department acknowledges its responsibility to establish a system of complaints and disciplinary procedures, which not only will subject personnel to corrective action when appropriate, but also will protect personnel from unwarranted allegations during the proper discharge of their duties.
We welcome your suggestions of improving police services, through constructive criticism of the department’s procedures, comments indicating dissatisfaction with manner of performance, or information concerning commendable actions by department employees. It is the purpose of these procedures to provide a prompt, just, open and expeditious disposition of the complaints regarding the conduct of members and employees of the department. To this end, people are encouraged to bring complaints about department operations and conduct of its members to the attention of the Novato Police Department, whenever a person believes that an improper act has taken place.
Complaints against department personnel will be handled in a prompt and unbiased manner. Every complaint will be investigated. It will include a conclusion and a recommendation concerning appropriate action to be taken.
All completed investigations are sent to the Chief of Police, who reviews the complaints and makes a final decision. If, after being notified of the results of the investigation, you are not satisfied, the matter may be appealed to the City Manager. The City Manager, after reviewing the complaint, may forward the complaint to the Police Advisory and Review Board for further review or investigation. (Novato City Resolution 43-00).
The community is also encouraged to compliment our procedures and members of our department when their actions warrant commendations. Any commendation of the actions of our personnel will result in appropriate recognition. Please note that it is not necessary to be a citizen of the United States, nor a legal resident, in order to make a complaint or comment about Novato Police personnel.
Complaints or compliments can be submitted using the form below or by other means such as in person, by mail (paper form), email: police@novato.org or by phone: (415) 897-4361.
It is our experience that community members usually have a number of questions concerning the filing of a Complaint. Some of the most commonly asked questions regarding these procedures are addressed below.
Should you have any additional concerns or desire more information, please contact us.
Sincerely,
The Novato Police Department