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1. How do I compliment an officer or employee of the DeSoto Police Department?

The DeSoto Police Department encourages the community to compliment our employees when they do great work.  You may file your compliment by phone (469-658-3030), in writing by letter or use of the complaint/compliment form, in person at the front desk or online using the portal below.

2. What is considered a complaint?

A complaint is an act of wrong doing, misconduct or inappropriate action on behalf of any employee of the DeSoto Police Department.

3. How do I file a complaint against a police department employee?

a. When a person has a complaint against a police department employee (sworn or civilian), the complaint may be filed in person, by telephone, online submittal, or by completing the citizen compliment / complaint form and sending it to the Internal Affairs Division.  This form is available at the front desk or on the DeSoto Police Department website.

b. Texas law (Gov. Code 614.022-.23) requires that anyone filing a complaint against a sworn police officer must have the complaint signed by the complainant and presented to the officer.  

c. Your complaint can be taken by any employee of the police department.

4. What types of complaints will not be taken?

Complaints alleging disagreements pertaining to traffic/parking citations (you do not believe that you committed that traffic/parking offense that a citation was issued for), or probable cause for an arrest are examples of complaints that may not be taken. These decisions are for the court to decide and generally are not subject to review by the DeSoto Police Department.

5. Will the Police Department Employee be told about the complaint?

Yes. As in the case with any potentially punitive process, the accused is afforded the right of knowing what he/she is accused of and who the accusers are. This is done in fairness to the employee, just as it is for any other person.

6. How long will the Investigation take?

Whenever possible, the investigation will be concluded within 30 days unless unusual circumstances warrant an extension. The Department will make every effort to keep the complainant advised of the progress of the investigation. Once the investigation is completed, the complainant will be notified.

7. Will I be told how the complaint was resolved?

You will be sent a letter of disposition of the complaint from the Chief of Police.  Because of privacy laws, specific facts of the case will not be revealed. It is possible that some allegations may be sustained, and other not sustained based on the investigation.

8. What is the Texas Government Code 614.022 and 614.023?

§ 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 department or local law enforcement agency, the complaint must be:

i.      in writing; and

ii.      signed by the person making the complaint

b.     § 614.023. COPY OF COMPLAINT TO BE GIVEN TO OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE. 

(a) A copy of a signed complaint against a law enforcement officer of this state or a fire fighter, detention officer, county jailer, or peace officer appointed or employed by a political subdivision of this state shall be given to the officer or employee within a reasonable time after the complaint is filed.

(b) Disciplinary action may not be taken against the officer or employee unless a copy of the signed complaint is given to the officer or employee.