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Mark Hopkins
Director of Public Safety
Citizen Complaint Process
How to file a complaint
Citizens feeling that they have a legitimate concern may make a formal complaint
to the Katy Independent School District Police Department at any time.
Information on the complaint process can be obtained from any member of this
department. Additional information about this process may be obtained by calling
us at (281) 237-4000 or e-mailing to
Katy ISD Police Department.
Understanding the process
Once an individual has filed a complaint, he/she
should expect the following process to commence:
The interview
A police officer (rank of sergeant or higher) will interview the individual
filing the complaint. The officer will ask the alleged victim questions about
what happened. It is possible that the interviewing officer will be able to
explain the actions in question to your satisfaction.
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Usually, the alleged victim will be interviewed at the Katy Independent
School District Law Enforcement Center. It is possible that he/she may be
videotaped during the interview.
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The individual filing the complaint may bring a lawyer, family member or
friend to the interview.
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The police officer will ask the individual filing a complaint for the
names of witnesses and other police officers that may know facts about the
complaint.
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A police photographer may take pictures of any injuries that the alleged
victim thinks are related to the complaint. |
The investigation
After the interview, the Katy Independent School District Police Department will
investigate the alleged misconduct. Investigators will talk to witnesses and
visit the site of the incident.
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The investigators will consist of Katy Independent School District
police officers assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division.
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All officers involved in or has knowledge of the incident will be
interviewed.
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Witnesses whom the alleged victim has named will be contacted and
interviewed, if they agree.
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The alleged victim will receive a letter regarding the progress of the
investigation. Although it is impossible to estimate how long the
investigation will take, the alleged victim will receive periodic reports on
its status.
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A written report will then be prepared.
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The findings
The results of your complaint are called "findings". There are four possible
findings:
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Sustained - The complaint has been
supported: The officer(s) involved acted improperly and may be
disciplined. |
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Unfounded - The investigation found no
basis to the complaint filed. |
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Exonerated - The police officer(s)
involved acted properly and will not be disciplined; or
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Not provable - There was not enough
evidence to prove the complaint true or false so no further action will
be taken. |
The Director of Public Safety will decide on a finding after reviewing the
complaint. Further, the alleged victim will be informed of the findings in
writing.
The review process
The Director of Public Safety reviews every complaint after the investigation is
completed and a report is written.
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If the complaint includes excessive force
or charges an officer with a crime, the appropriate county district
attorney will also review the report. |
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Through the proper appeal process, the
Katy Independent School District Board of Trustees makes the final
decision on all complaints. |
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