An informed public must have confidence that its police department honestly and fairly investigates and adjudicates all allegations of misconduct against its employees……Law enforcement, by its very nature, is often an unpleasant business.

 Police officers deal with many dangerous and desperate criminals in a climate of negativity, animosity and resentment of their presence. However, the stories of major crimes, arrests and related incidents usually covered in the news media represent only a part of the service that officers of the Lodi Police Department provide for the residents of the Borough of Lodi each and every day. Much more often, police officers interact with the public in a productive and helpful service, where their professionalism, courtesy and courage are always appreciated and valued.

The Lodi Police Department recognizes that mistakes may be made and the actions of our officers may fall short of expectancy. The Department has established rules and regulations and standing operating procedures governing the professional and personal conduct of employees and acceptable work performance standards. These guidelines are designed to protect the well-being and the rights of all citizens and employees. The Internal Affairs / Professional Standards function is to thoroughly investigate all complaints of misconduct by employees regardless of the foundation. Anyone who files a complaint will be treated with courtesy and respect.

As a citizen, you are encouraged to contact the Police Department if you have a complaint about the actions of a police officer or non-sworn employee if you believe their conduct was inappropriate or that they have violated the law. The Internal Affairs / Professional Standards staff can answer questions about actions of officers, initiate a complaint against an officer, and conduct investigations of police conduct. Although we encourage citizens to report police misconduct, complaints must be made in good faith. False or highly exaggerated complaints serve no good purpose for either the citizens or the officer and only tend to thwart our complaint-taking process. Anyone who willfully makes any false accusation for the purpose of discrediting a police officer may be prosecuted under the full extent of the law.

* Be sure to obtain the employee’s name, employee badge number, date and location of occurrence, nature of complaint or type of commendable action or service. Commendations and complaints may become a part of the employee’s personnel file.

Internal Affairs Complaint Form