Filing a Complaint Against a CHP Officer

[AngryABCGirl]

Anyone know how or how to write a good formal complaint against the CHP or just a general format for addressing a concern?

[sOKaLiBoY]

Anyone know how or how to write a good formal complaint against the CHP or just a general format for addressing a concern?


The California Highway Patrol considers the investigation of complaints regarding an employee's actions or our policies to be one of our most important missions. All complaints are investigated objectively and thoroughly, and the investigation findings are provided in writing to the complainant.

If you desire to file a complaint against any sworn peace officer employee of the CHP, such as a patrol officer, please contact the local CHP office where the employee is assigned. If the employee's assigned office is unknown, you may instead contact the CHP office in your local area. For assistance in locating a specific CHP Area office, you may use this site's list of offices (http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/offices.html). The address and telephone number of CHP offices may also be found in your telephone directory under the State Government heading.

Once the CHP has received your complaint, an investigator will be assigned and you will be contacted to further clarify your concerns. The investigator will also provide further information regarding the CHP's complaint investigation process.

[kpih]

What is the nature of the complain? If it is serious I would suggest filing the complain AND contacting the media. The internal affairs (or equivalent) usually is useless.

[Chu Chi]

Anyone know how or how to write a good formal complaint against the CHP or just a general format for addressing a concern?

Here is my suggestion.

1. State what the officer did that resulted in you being mistreated.

2. State what the officer SHOULD HAVE DONE to produce justice.

3. Ask them what corrective/compensatory action they will take.


Point # 2 is critical because if they disagree with it:

1. They will be on record of having knowledge of and supporting the officers action/s.

2. They will be giving you the logic to test your case against all previous cases for precedent.


The goal is to get them to "do the work". As public safety officers, It is there "job" to prevent you from being harmed.

Your complaint should indicate that YOU know that THEY know that.

Good luck

CC

[kasia]

Anyone know how or how to write a good formal complaint against the CHP or just a general format for addressing a concern?

'course. i was in a one-month trial against them :)

http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/cit_complaint.html

^ you should first file a citizen's complaint against the officer(s) involved. expect that nothing will come of this, but do it anyway.

if there is a possible tort claim, you may want to speak to an attorney immediately because of the statute of limitations.

you may also have a federal claim under 42 USC 1983 - if the officer(s) violated your constitutional rights while acting under the color of law.

with the limited info provided, i think that's all i can offer at this point. just remember to document each conversation you have with them.