Informal Process for Non-Serious Complaints or Offenses. In recognition of the fact that many types of complaints are of a very minor or non-serious nature which can be resolved at an initial, informal stage, the following procedures may be adhered to where an informal resolution is likely to occur. Following the receipt of a complaint and it being reduced to writing by the Chief, a Lieutenant, a Sergeant, a Corporal, an Officer-In-Charge, or other sworn command staff, an informal process may be initiated for resolution of minor infractions or non-serious allegations. The investigating supervisor, whether a shift supervisor (Corporal or Sergeant), Bureau Commander or Chief, may approach the accused member and attempt to gather the facts about the allegation from the member. At that time, the investigating supervisor shall notify the member of the nature of the complaint. If the complaint cannot be resolved at this informal level, or the accused member elects not to make any statement, the official investigative procedure will be put into place as identified in the remaining sections of this Article. If other, more serious allegations other than those initially charged are raised during the informal investigation, the matter will immediately be transferred to the formal process and be subject to the progressive discipline. Cases processed and resolved at the informal level may result in no more than a letter of reprimand, where a review of the action may be sought by the member. If the matter is not resolved at the informal level, it shall be set for a meeting and be subject to the principles of progressive discipline. If the matter is not informally resolved, a meeting shall be set within seventy-two (72) hours at the direction of the Chief or designee and with the presence of the accused member and his/her Lodge Representative or Lodge Attorney, if so desired. The purpose of this meeting is to formally provide the accused member with the complaint in writing. At that time, the supervisor will again be permitted to gather information pertinent to the complaint from the accused member with the presence of a Lodge Representative or Lodge Attorney.
Informal Process for Non-Serious Complaints or Offenses. In recognition of the fact that many types of complaints are of a very minor or non-serious nature which can be resolved at an initial, informal stage, the following procedures may be adhered to where an informal resolution is likely to occur. Following the receipt of information that could lead to counseling or result in minor discipline (i.e., no more than an oral reprimand), an informal process may be initiated. The investigating supervisor may approach the accused member and attempt to gather facts a member about any incident or allegation of misconduct. At that time, the investigating supervisor shall notify the member of the nature of the concern or complaint. If the matter cannot be resolved at this informal level, the official investigative procedure as specified in the remaining sections of this Article shall be followed. Cases processed and resolved at the informal level may result in no more than counseling or an oral reprimand, and a review of any discipline may be sought by the member through the grievance procedure.
