Complaints against Personnel

Purpose of Complaint Process

The chief and/or his designee supervisor is 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 in sharing their observations, experience(s), feedback, and/or complaints about the people that have been empowered to serve and protect them. Each investigation shall be conducted objectively, thoroughly, and without bias. 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.

Procedure for Filing a Compliment or Complaint

You may file your complaints/praise with the chief of police by telephone at (401) 539-8289, in writing via mail to the below address, via facsimile to (401) 539-8293, or by e-mail to chief@richmondpd.org. An individual may also file a complaint in a written compliment or complaint summary, which should include as much of the following information as possible: Your name, address, telephone number(s); the subject of your complaint/praise with his/her name, rank, badge number (if known); the location, date, and time of the alleged incident; the nature of your complaint/praise with all pertinent information; along with the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses to your incident.

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 of 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 Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rightsunder 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.

Chief Elwood M. Johnson, Jr.
Richmond Police Department, 1168 Main Street, Wyoming, RI 02898
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 203, Wyoming, RI 02898
Telephone: 401-539-8289
Fax: 401-539-8293
Email