Forms & Reports

File an Employee Complaint

Overview

The Pima County Sheriff's Department is dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of race, color, religious creed, gender/sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin/ethnicity, disability, veteran's status, or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination laws. The men and women of the Pima County Sheriff's Department take this charge seriously and perform their duties in a professional and respectful manner.

If you find it necessary to lodge an employee complaint, an objective investigation will be conducted in accordance with departmental regulations as well as state and federal laws. If you feel that an employee has acted in an abusive or unprofessional manner, you are encouraged to report the matter.

Who may file an employee complaint?

Any person who witnesses or has direct knowledge of suspected misconduct may contact Internal Affairs to initiate a complaint. Third party complaints are not accepted unless the complaining individual is a minor or is mentally incapacitated. Generally, anonymous complaints are not investigated unless the individual can provide information about the misconduct that can be proven by other evidence.

How is an employee complaint filed?

Employee complaints may be filed with the involved employee's supervisor or, if the supervisor is not known, the complaint may be filed with Internal Affairs. A complaint may be filed in person, by telephone, fax, e-mail, or letter.

Telephone: (520) 351-4750
Fax: (520) 351-4697
Address: 
Pima County Sheriff's Department
Internal Affairs
1750 E. Benson Highway
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

You may also file an employee complaint by using the following form:

:

What happens after a complaint is filed?

Complaints filed with the Internal Affairs will be reviewed by the unit commander. The complaint may be referred to the employee’s chain of command for a performance review or it may be assigned to an Internal Affairs investigator.

Who investigates the complaint?

Complaints filed with Internal Affairs 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.

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 also 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.