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Complaint/Compliment Processes

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Compliments

We love to hear from our citizens about the great things our officers are doing in our schools and community. If you would like to shout-out an officer for being especially helpful and courteous, you can express your appreciation in a number of ways:

  • Submit to our online compliment form
  • Call the HISD Administration Building at 409-316-6545 and ask for Interim Chief Zuniga or leave a message with the receptionist
  • Email Interim Chief Zuniga at rzuniga@hitchcockisd.org
  • Mail a letter to Interim Chief Zuniga at:
    • Interim Chief Ryan Zuniga
      Hitchcock ISD Police Department
      7801 Neville Ave
      Bldg. B
      Hitchcock, TX 77563

Complaints

Racial Profiling
Texas law strictly prohibits racial profiling; the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure defines racial profiling as "a law enforcement-initiated action based on the individual's race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than on the individual's behavior or on information identifying the individual as having engaged in criminal activity."

The Hitchcock ISD Police Department prohibits officers from engaging in any type of racial profiling. Each officer has received Racial Profiling #3256 (TCOLE) training concerning the racial profiling law and are also provided a copy of departmental policy pertaining to racial profiling.

Racial Profiling Complaint Process
Complaints alleging racial profiling regarding an individual may be filed with the Hitchcock ISD Police Department. The Office of the Chief of Police is physically located at the Hitchcock High School, located at 6629 FM 2004, Hitchcock, Texas. The Police Department's telephone number is (409) 316-6555.

A complaint should be submitted in writing and in a timely manner after the incident so that the incident can receive prompt attention. Once the complaint is received the Chief of Police will initiate an internal investigation into the matter.

Complaints Against Police Officers
The Hitchcock ISD Police Department demands all employees to maintain professional standards in their conduct on and off duty, and observe all policies and procedures in carrying out their responsibilities.

The Department will investigate all complaints against employees to final disposition. Rights of the employee and the public must be preserved, and any investigation or hearing arising from a complaint will be conducted in a fair and timely manner.

COMPLAINT PROCESS

  1. In order for a complaint against a district peace officer to be considered by the head of the department, the complaint must be in writing, and signed by the person making the complaint.
  2. All complaints must allege specific act(s) of misconduct, and the complainant must have firsthand knowledge of the act in question.
  3. A sworn statement will be required from the complainant at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
  4. Complaints which occur more than 30 days after the alleged incident will not be accepted unless: The act is criminal and the statute of limitations has not yet run.
  5. All complaints concerning misconduct of an officer will be investigated.  It will be the intent of the investigation to protect the integrity of the officer concerned and/or the integrity of the department and the district.
  6. Officers shall give their full cooperation concerning investigation of complaints
  7. A copy of the complaint shall be given to the officer within a reasonable time after it is filed, and no disciplinary action shall be taken against the officer as a result of the complaint unless a copy is given to the officer.
  8. The officer may not be terminated based on the subject matter of the complaint, unless the complaint is investigated and there is evidence to prove the allegation of misconduct.
  9. If the investigation reveals that there was misconduct by the officer, the appropriate administrative action will be take
  10. If the investigation reveals that there was misconduct by the officer and the misconduct was criminal in nature, the District Attorney’s Office shall be notified, in addition to the appropriate administrative action taken.
  11. The person making the complaint may be contacted during the investigation for additional information and will be notified of the final disposition.

Investigation Process
Once a complaint is received, it is thoroughly investigated by the Chief of Police or his designee. The investigation will usually include a review of all applicable reports, policies and procedures, surveillance video & body worn camera video (if available) along with interviews of all parties and witnesses. Upon completion of the investigation, a determination will be made as to whether the employee violated department policies, school policies, procedures, or state law.

Outcome of the Investigation
The Chief of Police will review the complaint and findings. This review is to assure that the investigation was handled thoroughly and objectively. The Chief's review will also consist of assessing the need to improve department policies, procedures and our training of officers.

You will be given an opportunity to meet with the Chief to discuss the outcome of the complaint or you may request to receive written notification of the Investigator's findings in place of the meeting. There are four possible findings:

  • Sustained - The allegation made in the complaint is supported by sufficient evidence.
  • Not Sustained - There is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation made in the complaint.
  • Unfounded - The allegation is false. The incident never occurred or the employee was not involved in the incident, or the investigation conclusively proved that the employee’s alleged act or actions that would constitute misconduct, did not occur.
  • Exonerated - The investigation shows that the alleged incident did occur, but was justified, lawful and proper under the circumstances.