Who may file a complaint?
Any person who witnesses or has direct knowledge of suspected misconduct may contact the Internal Affairs Unit to initiate a complaint. Third party complaints are not recorded unless the complaining individual is a minor or is mentally incapacitated. Generally, anonymous complaints are not accepted unless the individual can provide information about the misconduct that can be proven by other evidence.
How is a complaint filed?
Complaints may be filed with the involved employee's supervisor or, if the supervisor is not known, the complaint may be filed with the Internal Affairs Unit. A complaint may be filed in person, by telephone, fax, e-mail, or letter. 
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Telephone: |
(520) 351-4750 |
Fax: |
(520) 351-4697 |
E-mail: |
ia@pimasheriff.net |
Address: |
Pima County Sheriff’s Department |
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Internal Affairs |
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1750 E. Benson Highway |
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Tucson, AZ 85714 |
Written correspondence should include the following information:
• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Your name, address (including zip code), and daytime telephone number
• Pima County Sheriff’s Department case number
• Name of Department employee(s) involved
• A brief description of the complaint
When making a complaint, simply relate the facts as you know them and be mindful that you will be asked specific questions regarding the incident.
Who investigates the complaint?
Complaints filed with the Internal Affairs Unit are reviewed by the unit supervisor. The complaint may be referred to the employee’s supervisor for investigation or it may be assigned to an Internal Affairs detective. You will receive written notification that the complaint has been received.
The investigation of the complaint will focus on the conduct of the employee, not criminal or civil charges against you. Any criminal or civil charges against the complainant are a separate issue which must be decided by the appropriate court.
After the investigation is completed . . .
You will be notified by mail of the outcome of the investigation. Following is a list of possible findings:
Sustained |
The acts alleged did occur and were not justified. |
Sustained in Part |
The employee committed part of the alleged acts of misconduct. |
Not Sustained |
There is insufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegations. |
Exonerated |
The acts alleged did occur and were justified, lawful, and proper. |
Unfounded |
The acts alleged did not occur and there is no basis for the complaint. |
Other |
Misconduct not based on the original complaint. |
What is the disciplinary process?
If a complaint is sustained, corrective training may occur. Disciplinary action may be taken; which can range from verbal counseling to dismissal. The matter will be handled administratively. Disciplinary records may not be subject to public disclosure without a court order.
Can a person get in trouble for filing a complaint?
Not if you are truthful. We will not take action against a person who has acted in good faith. However, be aware that per Arizona State Law, A.R.S. § 13-2907.01, it is a misdemeanor to knowingly make a false statement to a law enforcement agency.
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