Office of Professional Standards

Responsibilities

The League City Police Department values a relationship of trust with the citizens it serves. To ensure concerns regarding ethics and integrity are properly investigated, the Department developed the Office of Professional Standards (OPS). Reporting directly to the Chief of Police, the OPS is designed to investigate concerns involving the:

  • Correction of Procedural Problems-The department is constantly seeking to improve its efficiency. Occasionally, administrative investigations disclose faulty procedures that would otherwise have gone undetected.
  • Protection of the Department-The department is often evaluated and judged by the conduct of its individual employees. It is imperative that the organization, as a whole, be free from public censure based on the misconduct of a few. The community must be confident that the department will fairly and honestly police its members.
  • Protection of the Employee-Employees must be protected against false allegations of misconduct. This can only be accomplished through a consistently thorough investigative process that ensures their rights are protected and all available evidence is appropriately collected.
  • Protection of the Public-The public has the right to receive fair, efficient, and impartial law enforcement. The department shall ensure this through the detection, investigation, and adjudication of employee misconduct.
  • Removal of Unfit Personnel-An employee who engages in serious acts of misconduct, or who has demonstrated he is unfit for the law enforcement profession, must be removed for the protection of the public, the Department, and other employees.

In addition, this office is responsible for applicant processing, as well as other issues directed by the Chief of Police. Depending on the nature or severity of the complaint, some investigations are referred to the employee’s immediate supervisor for investigation.

Employee Commendations

Commendations help the Department gauge citizen satisfaction with our organization's performance We encourage you to share your positive experiences with us by completing this online form.

Employee Complaints

The Department is committed to providing exemplary service in a professional manner that ensures all citizens and visitors a safe and secure environment. Police officers are asked to exercise their best judgement under stressful situations, often with limited information and time constraints. However, officers must be courteous, professional, and observe the rights of all citizens while performing their duties.

If a citizen believes an officer or employee has engaged in misconduct, a complaint may be filed. It is our policy to thoroughly investigate all complaints against the Department or its employees. This ensures department integrity while protecting the rights and interests of both citizens and employees.

The Complaint Process

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.

Please note: Traffic ticket issues or differences of opinion between officers and citizens over the issuance of the traffic ticket will not be investigated unless there is a specific allegation of misconduct against members of the Department.

Complaints are classified by the type of complaint (Service or Personnel) and scope of complaint (Major or Minor). Service complaints are about the service or lack of service received from the Department. Generally, they are not directed towards a specific employee. Personnel complaints are about a specific employee's performance or actions.

Personnel complaints are further classified as either Major or Minor by the Office of Professional Standards. Minor complaints are handled by the employee's immediate supervisor. Major complaints are investigated by the Office of Professional Standards with assistance from the Criminal Investigation Division if the complaint is criminal in nature.

Complaint Form

Complaints are made by filling out a Complaint Form (PDF). If the form does not appear, right click blue "Complaint Form", download and then open the download. Both forms must be printed, completed, and returned in person to the League City Police Department. The complaint will be given to the OPS for review and investigation. Most complaints are investigated and resolved within 14 business days. Extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances. Complainants can expect to be advised on the outcome of the investigation in writing within 45 days of receipt of the complaint.

Sustained Complaints

Actions against an employee for sustained misconduct may range from counseling or retraining to suspension or termination. Consideration is given to the seriousness of the misconduct and the employee's historical performance within the Department.

Unfounded Complaints

Complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. If there is not sufficient evidence to sustain the complaint, the officer is notified and continues on duty.

Appeals

Just as citizens charged with criminal offenses can appeal a court's decision, police officers are afforded the right to appeal the actions taken against them. The City of League City has established procedures for employees to file their appeals.

False Complaints

People who intentionally make false complaints or allegations violate Chapter 37 of the Texas Penal Code. Texas law provides punishment for an individual who makes a False Report to a Peace Officer that is material to a criminal investigation. The League City Police Department provides this information to avoid retaliation against police officers or department staff.