Dover Police Department
Citizen Complaint Process

Citizens who are unhappy or not satisfied with the Dover Police Department and/or individual officers or employees are encouraged to voice their concerns or dissatisfaction immediately to the on-duty supervisor.  A command-level staff officer can also be contacted during normal business hours Monday through Friday:

On-duty supervisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Citizens may telephone (302)736-7111, appear in person at the Dover Police Department, or request from any officer to speak to a supervisor. 

In addition to the availability of the on-duty supervisor or a staff officer, the complaint may be reported to the Office of Internal Affairs during normal business hours Monday through Friday:

*Please Note:  A person who knowingly reports false information to the police is subject to arrest and prosecution.

What To Expect:

1.  You may remain anonymous if you so desire.  However, you will be asked to complete a Citizens Complaint Form and you will be given a copy of that initial form.  On the form, you will describe your complaint and indicate if you wish to be contacted and proceed with your complaint.  On some occasions, the supervisor or Staff officer will be able to resolve your complaint immediately.  These complaint forms are available at the Dover Police Department, or you may download a form and bring it to the department.  Download a Citizens Complaint Form (Adobe PDF format).

2.  The initial complaint form will be forwarded to the Deputy Chief of Police who will review it a brief the Chief of Police.  If the complaint had not been immediately resolved, he will then assign it to a Command or supervisory officer to take action or he may assign it to the Office of Internal Affairs to conduct a formal investigation.

3.  If a formal investigation is warranted, you will be formally interviewed and that interview will be recorded.  The officer or civilian employee will also be formally interviewed along with all pertinent witnesses.

4.  Upon conclusion of the investigation (within 90 days) you will be given notice of the results.

5.  If the results of the investigation sustain any acts of misconduct against an officer then the officer shall be given the appropriate discipline, or may elect to proceed to a Professional Standards Board selected by the Criminal Justice council.

6.  If a Professional Standards Board is requested, a hearing will be held. This hearing is similar to a trial and the complainant will be required to testify.  A panel of three Board Members will sit as the judging body.

7.  If a Criminal Complaint is alleged against an officer then the Dover Police Department will consult with the Department of Justice concerning a criminal investigation and prosecution.  This may be conducted in addition to the administrative internal investigation.