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1. How to make a complaint?

Any citizen who feels like they have been targeted by a Robinson Police Officer in violation of this policy can file a complaint online, by mail, or in person. When a citizen lodges a complaint against a member of the Robinson Police Department, the complaint will be investigated by a supervisor and forwarded to the Office of the Chief of Police. TEXAS STATE LAW (Government Code 614.022) requires that all complaints against police officers must be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. Just as citizens who are arrested must be notified of the charges against them, the police officer must be given a copy of the complaint before any disciplinary action may be taken. The person who claims to be aggrieved must make the complaint. Other persons may give statements as witnesses. The Chief of Police will conduct a thorough investigation of your complaint and you will be advised of the outcome. Traffic tickets issued or differences of opinion between police officers and citizens over the issuance of traffic tickets will not be investigated. Specific allegations of misconduct or racial profiling about a member(s) of the department will be thoroughly investigated.

2. Can an officer appeal a decision?

Just as citizens charged with criminal offenses can appeal a court’s decision, a police employee is afforded the right to appeal the action taken against them. The City of Robinson has established procedures for employees to follow in their appeals, just as the Police Department has established procedures for ensuring that complaints by citizens against police employees are thorough and impartially investigated.

3. What happens when a complaint is found to be true?

When the investigation of a complaint reveals that the charges are true, and should be sustained against a police employee, the Chief of Police notifies the employee and may take one of the following actions, depending on the nature of the violation:

1. Reprimand the employee
2. Suspend the employee without pay
3. Demote the employee
4. Discharge the employee

4. What happens if the complaint is NOT true?

Police employees must be afforded certain rights the same as with all citizens and complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. If there is not sufficient evidence to sustain the complaint, the officer is notified and continues on duty. If he was removed from duty during the investigation, the employee will be paid for that period.

5. What if someone makes a false complaint?

People who intentionally make false complaints or allegations against police violate Chapter 37 of the Texas Penal Code. Texas law provides punishment for an individual adjudged guilty of committing an offense if, with intent to deceive and knowledge of the statements meaning, he / she makes a false statement under oath or swears to the truth of a false statement previously made; and, the statement is required or authorized by law to be made under oath.

A person who commits an offense under this section can be charged with offenses ranging from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Felony of the Third Degree. Punishments can range from confinement of 180 days in jail to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

This information is not intended to intimidate the complainant or any witness, but is provided to avoid retaliation against police officers or departmental staff.

6. What if you are not satisfied with the decision?

If you are not satisfied with the results of the investigation you may appeal to: The Office of the City Manager, located in City Hall, 111 W. Lyndale, Robinson, Texas and to the McLennan County District Attorney located at the McLennan County Courthouse, 501 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701 Federal Bureau of Investigation located at 510 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710