Professional Standards

The mission of the Professional Standards Bureau is to ensure that all complaints or allegations against the Wichita Police Department or any of its members are investigated in a complete, fair and impartial manner. The rights of all citizens and members of the Department shall be protected at all times during this process, and confidentality shall be maintained at the strictest levels. We strive to gain the trust and confidence of the citizens we serve while maintaining the highest level of integrity for the Wichita Police Department.

Complaints

Citizens having a complaint about any member of the Wichita Police Department are encouraged to first contact that member's Bureau Commander or immediate supervisor. Most complaints can be resolved by the supervisor, who will determine the appropriate action to be taken after investigating the complaint. If the complaint is of a more serious nature, the supervisor will take an initial statement from the complainant and refer the matter to the Professional Standards Bureau for a formal investigation.

Citizens wishing to make a complaint directly to the Professional Standards Bureau should call (316) 268-4256 to make an appointment. Complaints to Professional Standards are generally taken in person. A representative of the Professional Standards Bureau will meet with you privately and conduct a taped interview. A complaint affidavit will also be completed, to document the facts of the complaint and the allegations. The complaint will then be investigated by the Bureau and the results will be forwarded to the Chief of Police. A letter will be sent to notify you of the findings in the investigation.

Citizens are encouraged to make complaints of inappropriate behavior or misconduct by any member of the Wichita Police Department; however, all complaints must be made in good faith. Your complaint will be received in a professional manner and you will be expected to conduct yourself the same way. Unruly or inappropriate behavior on your part will not be tolerated. Should the investigation determine that the person or persons acting as complainants or witnesses made statements during the course of the investigation that he/she knew to be false, the Department may pursue criminal charges against the person or persons. Civil action against an untruthful complainant may also be pursued by the employee who is the subject of a false complaint.

Commendations

The Wichita Police Department is committed to rewarding its members for commendable performance. The Department recognizes its members who receive citizen praise for their performance through Commendable Performance Reports and other awards. These commendations become part of the employee's personnel file. If you wish to commend a member of the Wichita Police Department for a "job well done," you may either call that member's supervisor or write a letter to the Chief of Police. Employees of the Wichita Police Department take great pride in their work and they appreciate the gratitude expressed by citizens.

Professional Standards Statistics

Explanation of Terms

External Complaint
Any complaint generated from an individual outside the Wichita Police Department.

Internal Complaint
Any complaint generated from within the Wichita Police Department.

Unfounded
Allegation(s) is (are) false or not factual.

Exonerated
Incident occurred, but was lawful and proper.

Non-Sustained
Insufficient evidence exists to either prove or disprove the allegation.

Sustained
An allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable conclusion of guilt.