Community Feedback
Positive Contact reports and Performance Complaint Resolution.
A relationship of trust and confidence between members of the police department and the community they serve is essential in effective law enforcement. Law Enforcement officers must be free to exercise their best judgment and to initiate enforcement action in a reasonable, lawful and impartial manner without fear of reprisal. So too, enforcers of the law have a special obligation to respect meticulously the rights of all persons.
The Hamden Police department acknowledges its responsibility to establish a system of complaint and disciplinary procedures, which not only will subject the officer to corrective action when he conducts himself improperly but also will protect him from unwarranted criticism when he discharges his duties properly. Thus the purpose of these procedures is to provide a prompt, honest, open and expeditious disposition on complaints regarding the conduct of the members and employees of the Department. To this end, citizens are encouraged to bring complaints about the Department operations and the conduct of its members to the attention of the Hamden Police Department whenever a citizen believes that such an act is improper.
Conversely, every citizen should take it upon himself to commend officers for meritorious and appreciated conduct witnessed or within the knowledge of the reporting citizen. While compliments can be verbal, they are most appreciated when sent in writing to the employee's supervisor or the Chief of Police.
Listing files in 'Community Feedback'
Reminder* The Citizen' Complaint Report must be signed by the person submitting before turning in to the Police Department front desk.
Complaint Procedure
The Hamden Police Department Ethics and Integrity Unit investigates all citizen's complaints alleging abuse of authority, corruption, criminality, poor or slow police service and other complaints against the Hamden Police Department.
All complaints against the Hamden Police Department and its employees will be taken seriously. Each case will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.
If you believe a Hamden Police Department employee has acted improperly, and you wish to file a formal complaint you may contact the Ethics and Integrity Unit by telephone at (203) 230-4074/4024. Normal office hours are Monday through Friday 7:00am to 4pm.
Also, you may leave a message on the telephone answering system during off-hours. Please keep in mind that we are not always in the office.
You can also call the Patrol Desk Supervisor at (203) 230-4030 in an emergency. You may also pick up a complaint form at the main desk or download a copy shown above.
Complaints of serious misconduct will be investigated by the Ethic and Integrity Unit at the direction of the Chief of Police and is independent of the officer’s command.
*Complaints of less serious nature are often best handled by discussing your concerns with a supervisor in the appropriate division. If you wish to discuss your concerns regarding an employee’s conduct with a supervisor of their division, you may call the main Police Department telephone number at (203) 230-4000 and contact the division in question by using the voice prompts.