Complaint / Commend Process

Police Department / Citizen Complaints

(Complaint / Commend Process for Police Department)
A partnership between the citizens of Dodge City and the Dodge City Police Department can ensure the citizens of Dodge City the best law enforcement available.

The best weapon against crime in any police department is the trust of the public. If you feel you have been treated improperly by an officer or employee of the department, we strongly encourage you to contact the Dodge City Police Department about your complaint so that it may be fully investigated.

Often citizens who have been arrested feel they are not guilty of the charge and want to complain to police. The guilt, innocence, or legality of the arrest are matters for the court to decide. The police complaint process becomes involved only when errors are alleged in police behavior.

How Do I File a Complaint / Compliment Regarding Police Conduct

To file a complaint in person, by mail, or by phone, contact the Dodge City Police Department at 110 W. Spruce Dodge City, Ks. 67801 or call (620)-225-8126 and ask to speak with the on duty watch commander. 
  • Please follow the same process listed above if you wish to compliment or commend an officer for there actions on a specific call.
  • Please be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the incident which led to your complaint / compliment, the time and date of occurrence, location, the officers name (if known) and the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
  • If you are a non English speaking complainant, we will try to accommodate you and locate an interpreter.
It is important for you to realize the Chief of Police must operate under the guidelines set forth in a labor agreement with the police officers as well as the Department’s written directives. Complaints of incidents which occurred more than 30 days in the past will be accepted only in very limited situations.

Completion Letter

Upon the completion of the internal affairs investigation the Chief of Police will notify you by letter of one of the following results:
  • Unfounded: Allegation (s) are false or not factual.
  • Exonerated: Incident occurred, but was lawful and proper.
  • Non-sustained: Insufficient evidence exists to either prove or disprove allegation.
  • Sustained: An allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable conclusion of guilt.
The letter you will receive will not disclose the specifics of any resulting disciplinary action, as the labor agreement the City has with the Fraternal Oder of Police will not allow release of that information. Corrective actions available to the Chief of Police include counseling, remedial training, reprimand, suspension, demotion and when warranted, a recommendation to the City Manager that the employee be terminated from the City and Police Department.