Frequently Asked Questions

1. What will happen to my complaint?

The Internal Affairs Sergeant logs the complaint and assigns it a file number. The Administrative Captain reviews the complaint and then assigns a member of management to do a thorough investigation. Once the investigation is complete the finding will be one of the following:

• Unfounded - The investigation proved that the act(s) complained of did not occur.

• Exonerated - The act(s), which provided the basis for the complaint or allegation, occurred.  However, the investigation revealed that they were justified, lawful and proper.

• Not Sustained - The investigation failed to produce sufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegation(s) in the complaint.

• Sustained - The investigation disclosed sufficient evidence to prove the allegation(s) made in the complaint and that such conduct was unjustified, unlawful or improper.

The investigation would then be a basis for training, policy reviews and/or discipline, if warranted.

2. What is considered employee misconduct?

• Violation of any law.

• Violation of departmental policies, rules, regulations, procedures or orders.

• Negligence in the performance of duty.

• Conduct which reflects unfavorably upon the Department or its personnel.

• Violation of any provision of the County Code, policies or regulations relating to employee conduct.

• Any other conduct specified in Yolo County Code Section 2-6.47 or any other provision of law.

3. I believe the employee who arrested me/issued me a citation was wrong. Is this a valid basis for a complaint?

• The Internal Affairs - Legal Services Section does not investigate the merits of an arrest or citation made by an employee based solely on the allegation that the person arrested/cited did not commit the offense. These allegations are adjudicated in criminal court.

4. How do I find out the status of the complaint I filed?

• You can contact the Administrative Captain at (530) 668-5256. Internal Affairs investigations are considered confidential. The only information that can be released to the complainant about the investigation is whether the investigation is still ongoing and what the final disposition is. Any information about employee discipline cannot be released.