(This form must be signed and filed at the Police Department by the reporting person, you can download the form here.)

Summary of Complaint Process

  • The complaint can be picked up at the Manheim Borough Police Department, 4 South Wolf Street,  Manheim  PA 17545
  • After completion of the form, it should be signed and notarized by a Notary of your choice or signed in front of a ranking Officer, Sergeant or above of the Manheim Borough Police Department.
  • After your complaint is filed, it receives an investigation report number (IA#) and it is assigned to a supervisor and investigated
  • The reportee will be contacted by the assigned supervisor
  • All available witnesses will be interviewed, and any physical or other relevant evidence including records, reports, recordings, and computer data will be collected and reviewed
  • Once the investigation is completed, the completed report will be forwarded to the Chief of Police for final disposition of the case. When a complaint is sustained, the Chief shall determine and administer appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action under the rules of Civil Service
  • Department policy requires that the complaint investigation is completed within 45-60 days; however, the Chief of Police can waive the time frame depending on the complexity and sensitivity of the investigation
  • After the investigation has been completed and the Chief of Police has made a final decision on the case, you will be notified of the results by mail.

 

Frequently asked Questions

 

HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT?

We would prefer to speak with you about your complaint in person; however complaints will be accepted by filling out the above form, mail or in person.  If they are submitted by mail, please ensure they have been notarized.

 

WHAT IS A COMPLAINT?

A complaint is a belief that a member of the Manheim Borough Police Department has violated Department Policy or Procedure, a federal or state law, an ordinance of the Borough of Manheim or Rapho Township, or dissatisfaction with a policy or procedure of the Manheim Borough Police Department.

 

WHAT DOES THIS PROCESS NOT HANDLE?

This process does not litigate or decide the outcome of any parking, traffic, criminal, non-criminal or civil offense.  These questions should be directed to the court of jurisdiction or your own legal counsel.

 

WHO CAN MAKE A COMPLAINT?

Anyone can file a complaint if they truly and honestly believe a police employee has acted improperly.

 

WHO INVESTIGATES A CITIZEN COMPLAINT?

Complaints of alleged misconduct are investigated by a Supervisor with the Manheim Borough Police Department and their staff as needed.  The investigation is then received by the Chief of Police and Personnel Office if needed.

 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE EMPLOYEE?

That will depend on the results of the investigation.  If the employee is found to be at fault the complaint will be SUSTAINED.  And the appropriate corrective and / or disciplinary action will be taken.  If they acted properly, they will be EXONERATED.  If the facts show the complaint is false, the complaint will be unfounded.  In those cases where the department is unable to determine the validity of the complaint and cannot arrive at any other conclusion, the complaint will be NOT SUSTAINED.  If the investigation concludes the involved employee’s conduct was not misconduct but rather an issue of department service or procedure, your complaint will be satisfied as such.  In cases of department service or procedure, Manheim Borough Police Department will attempt to clarify or correct the issue.

 

WHAT IF MY COMPLAINT INVOLVES CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR?

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, and / or the Office of the Attorney General’s Office will be consulted on any complaint that alleges criminal investigation of a civilian or uniformed member of the Manheim Borough Police Department.  This will be performed at the commencement and in combination with the internal investigation.

 

WILL I BE TOLD THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION?

YES – At the conclusion of the investigation and review by the Chief of Police and Civil Service entities, you will be notified of the results by mail.  Due to contractual and legal restrictions, you will only be notified of the finding of the investigation of whether your complaint was SUSTAINED, UNFOUNDED, EXONERATED, NOT SUSTAINED, OR IS ONE OF DEPARTMENT SERVICE OR PROCEDURE.  The department is prohibited from revealing specific personnel actions taken against the employee

 

CAN I GET IN TROUBLE FOR MAKING A COMPLAINT?

NO- Every citizen as the right to file a complaint, if it is done in good faith, with honest belief that an employee of the Manheim Borough Police Department acted improperly.  If a false statement / report is made you may be charged under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code under sections PA/CC §4905(a) False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities and / or §4904 Unsworn falsification to Authorities.

 

ABOUT THE COMPLAINT FORM.

The attached form should be used to file your complaint.  You can attach as many additional pages as necessary, along with any supporting evidence you may have.  After you complete the form, have it notarized or signed by a ranking Officer (Sergeant or above) with the Manheim Borough Police Department.  After being notarized you may also mail to:

 

MANHEIM BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT

Attn:  CHIEF JOSEPH C. STAUFFER

211 N. CHARLOTTE  STREET MANHEIM, PA  17545