Houston ISD Police Department Complaint Process
Complaint Process
The department shall accept complaints from any person who believes he or she has been stopped, searched, or inappropriately ticketed or arrested. No person shall be discouraged, intimidated, or coerced from filing such a complaint, or discriminated against because he or she filed such a complaint.
How Do I Make a Complaint?
Complaints against members of the HISD Police Department may be made by letter or in person, and under certain circumstances by phone. It is the responsibility of the contacted supervisor to inform the complainant of the proper procedure for filing a complaint. State law requires that complaints involving police officers be in writing and signed by the complainant. Complaints can be filed directly at the HISD Police Department. The address of the HISD Police Department is 3500 Tampa St., Houston, Texas 77012.
What Happens To My Complaint After It Is Received?
All complaints received by the department are processed through the Office of Professional Standards. When a complaint is received, it is reviewed to determine the nature of the allegations. The most serious type of complaints are investigated by the Internal Affairs Unit. These complaints involve allegations such as excessive force, any discharge of firearms, or criminal activity such as theft. Complaints comparatively less serious in nature, such as rude behavior or improper procedure, are forwarded to the individual employee's division for investigation. In every case, the person making the complaint will be contacted during the investigation for additional information and will be notified by mail of the final disposition.
What is Internal Affairs?
The HISD Police Department Internal Affairs Unit is mandated to investigate allegations of misconduct against employees of the HISD Police Department. It is a fact-finding entity, and its purpose is three-fold:
-
Protection of the Public
The public has the right to receive fair, efficient, and impartial law enforcement. Any misconduct by department personnel must be detected, thoroughly investigated, and properly adjudicated to assure the maintenance of this right. -
Protection of the Department
The department is often evaluated and judged by the conduct of its individual employees. It is imperative that the whole organization not be criticized because of the misconduct of a few. An informed public must have confidence that its police department honestly and fairly investigates and adjudicates all allegations of misconduct against its employees. -
Protection of the Employees
Employees must be protected against false or misinformed allegations of misconduct. This can only be accomplished through a consistently thorough investigative process.
If you have questions regarding police misconduct, contact the Internal Affairs Unit.
Internal Affairs Unit
3500 Tampa St.
Houston, Texas 77020
713-842-3715