How to File a Complaint Against a Police Department Staff

If you have concerns about the conduct of a member of our police department, we want to ensure your voice is heard. Below are the various ways to file a complaint:

Methods to File a Complaint:

  1. Scene Request: A citizen can request a Supervisor to respond to the scene, once the investigation/traffic stop has concluded.
  2. In Person: Visit the Police Department Command Desk at 31655 W. Eleven Mile, Farmington Hills, MI 48336, and ask to speak with a Supervisor
  3. By Phone: Call the Police Department Command Desk at 248-871-2610 to request a Supervisor.
  4. By Email: Send an email to any of our Executives. You may file your complaint anonymously or include your name and contact details. Executive Staff email addresses are available on the City’s website at https://fhgov.com under “Departments & Services” > “Police” > “See Employees”.
  5. Electronically: Complete the 'Citizen Complaint Report'. Please be sure to include as much information and details as possible, including the date, time, location, and names or descriptions of the involved parties, if known.

Important Notice on False Reports:

Filing a complaint against a police officer or employee is a serious matter. Knowingly filing a false report can have serious consequences, including potential criminal charges.  We encourage you to provide truthful and accurate information to ensure a fair and just process.

Additionally, a citizen that wishes to report police misconduct, can report that complaint to any of the below Agencies.

What is Recommended if filing a complaint:

  • Please provide as much information as possible.
  • Names, Witnesses, Dates, Times, Locations, Videos, Audio files, etc.…
  • Details – actions or statements by anyone involved (officers, witnesses, passengers).
  • Complaining party and witness contact information (phone number, address, and email addresses)
  • Time and days of availability, for direct contact by a supervisor assigned to investigate and for notification of findings and conclusion.

The Farmington Hills Police Department Process:

  1. Any and ALL Complaints are investigated – no matter the significance, lack of information, or if it is file anonymously.
  2. The complaint is assigned to a Command Officer upon the information being received.
  3. The Complaint is fully investigated, and all investigative procedures are documented and retained.
  4. The investigation is forwarded through the Chain of Command, with the final review by the Chief of Police.
  5. The Chief determines if the investigation is complete or if additional investigation or information is needed or appropriate.
  6. The Chief of Police will make the final determination:
    1. If the Complaint is Unsubstantiated or Substantiated
    2. Any Disciplinary actions warranted
    3. Any Remedial training needed by the officer(s) involved.
    4. Any Policy or training changes warranted.
  7. A Formal notification is issued to the complainant and officers involved.
  8. The investigation and supporting materials are retained under Department Policy and State Law.

Reviews, Analysis, and Audits:

We conduct yearly audits and analyses of all misconduct and citizen complaint investigations. These are thoroughly reviewed by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) as part of their auditing process, which takes place every three years. Additionally, we carry out annual audits and evaluations of several critical areas, including:

  • Force Response to Resistance and Violence incidents
  • Foot and Vehicle Pursuits
  • Vehicle Crashes
  • Employee Injuries
  • Body-Worn Camera and In-Car Camera usage

These audits are also reviewed and audited by MLEAC to ensure compliance with best practices and standards. The purpose of these reviews is to identify any emerging concerns, trends, training needs, or policy issues that may need to be addressed to enhance our service to the community.

Furthermore, we engage with the community through our Citizen Police Advisory Committee, which meets regularly throughout the year to discuss policing concerns and foster transparent communication. This committee includes a diverse range of representatives from various sectors of the community, such as neighborhood associations, business groups, religious organizations, schools, hospitals, mental health services, and professionals within the criminal justice system.

Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement of services to the public.