Commendations
Everyone likes a pat on the back when they do a good job. Galveston Police Department employees are no different. The Galveston Police Department is eager to learn of instances where you feel an officer or civilian employee performed in an exemplary manner.
Commendations, like complaints, help the agency gauge overall customer satisfaction with our performance. We encourage you to share your opinions regarding Galveston Police Department employees and the services provided to you.
You may submit a commendation by taking the time to complete the on-line commendation form below. You may also commend an employee by contacting any supervisory member of the police department either in person or by telephone at (409) 765-3794.
Your comments will be forwarded through the employee’s chain of command and be reviewed by the Office of the Chief of Police. After the review, a copy of your comments will be placed in the employee’s personnel file and the original document provided to the employee.
You may Submit an online commendation by emailing Sgt Kenneth Weems at:
Complaints
The Galveston Police Department is committed to providing exemplary customer service in a professional manner that ensures all citizens and visitors a safe and secure environment. Police personnel are carefully selected and given the best training possible in order to provide this service. Police officers have a difficult job to do. They are asked to exercise their best judgment under stressful, tense situations and often with limited information and time constraints. However, officers must also be courteous, professional and observe the rights of all citizens while performing their duties. If a citizen believes an officer or an employee has engaged in misconduct, they have the right to file a complaint.
It is the policy of the Galveston Police Department to investigate all complaints against the department or its employees. This ensures the integrity of the department while protecting the rights and interests of both citizens and department employees.
When a citizen lodges a complaint against a member of the Galveston Police Department, the complaint goes to the Office of Professional Standards. The responsibilities of investigators assigned to the Office of Professional Standards includes the reviewing and investigating of your complaint. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each weekday.
You may also lodge a complaint with any supervisory member of the police department in person or by telephone. To speak with an on duty supervisor after normal business hours, you may contact dispatch at (409) 765-3702. Your complaint will then be forwarded to the Office of Professional Standards for investigation.
TEXAS STATE LAW (Government Code 614.022) requires that all complaints against police officers be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. Just as citizens who are arrested must be notified of the charges against them, police officers must be given copies of complaints before any disciplinary action may be taken. The person who claims to be aggrieved must make the complaint. Other persons may give statements as witnesses.
The Office of Professional Standards will conduct a thorough investigation of your complaint. The investigator will contact witnesses and officers and ask them to give statements. Records and other evidence will also be collected and examined. Unless special circumstances exist, you will be advised in writing of the outcome within 45 days from receipt of the complaint.
Traffic tickets issued or differences of opinion between police officers and citizens over the issuance of traffic tickets or for the guilt or innocence of persons arrested will not be investigated unless there is specific allegation of misconduct against a member(s) of the department.
A person who commits an offense under this section can be charged with offenses ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Felony of the Third Degree. Punishments can range from confinement of 180 days in jail to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
This information is not intended to intimidate the complainant or any witness, but is provided to avoid retaliation against police officers or departmental staff.
- Counsel the employee;
- Provide in-service training to the employee;
- Reprimand the employee;
- Transfer the employee;
- Suspend the employee without pay;
- Demote the employee; or
- Terminate the employee.
The complainant will be notified in writing of the investigations results.
CONCLUSION
Sec. 614.022. Complaint to be in Writing and Signed by Complainant. To be considered by the head of a state agency or by the head of a fire or police department, the complaint must be: (1) in writing; and (2) signed by the person making the complaint. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.