Complaints Against Police Personnel

We believe the image of the Brewer Police Department depends on the personal integrity and discipline of all Police Department employees. Further, to some degree the public image of this Department is determined by the professional response of the Department to allegations of misconduct against it’s employees. The Brewer Police Department investigates all allegations of misconduct by its employees as well as complaints against the employee’s professionalism, competence and/or lack of appropriate response to community needs.

The Department encourages citizens to bring forward legitimate grievances regarding misconduct by its employees. Each and every citizen complaint is thoroughly investigated. It is to the advantage of the citizens as well as the employees to have a procedure for the investigation of allegations against Police personnel so that complaints can be resolved.

Procedure:

As a rule, complaints regarding law enforcement operations will be handled internally, investigated by Internal Affairs. The Chief of Police will be notified when a complaint is filed and be furnished a detailed report upon completion of the investigation. The Chief of Police will respond to the citizen who filed the complaint as to the action taken.

Complaints alleging brutality, improper police conduct, or misconduct involving several officers or supervisory personnel, may be investigated by an outside agency such as the Maine State Police or the Attorney General’s Office.

How to File a Complaint:

A Citizens Complaint Form may be requested by mail, telephone or in person at the Police Department. The Command Officer on duty will be happy to discuss your complaint in person, or simply furnish you with the complaint form to be completed at the Police Station or returned at a later time in person or by mail.

The Citizens Complaint Form must be signed with information on how the investigator or the Chief of Police can make contact with you.