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Our complaint policy
It is the policy of the Northern Arizona University Police Department to vigorously and thoroughly investigate all complaints against its employees. All such investigations are conducted in a fair and expeditious manner in accordance with department, university, state, and federal laws and regulations.
How do you file a complaint?
Generally, complaints are filed though the supervisor of the employee involved. If you do not know the name of the employee involved, you may file the complaint though any police supervisor. Formal complaints, regardless of the nature, may be made in person, by mail, or phone.
Read more about the complaint process Accordion Closed
A message from the Chief of Police
Police officers are sworn to protect the rights of all citizens regardless of race, age, sex, nationality, religion, or political preference. This applies to those who are taken into police custody as well. The men and women of the Northern Arizona University Police Department take this charge seriously, and for that reason we have adopted internal safeguards to discourage abuse of authority by police employees. Complaints regarding such abuses are vigorously investigated. If you feel that an employee of this department has acted in an abusive or unprofessional manner toward you, or others, I encourage you to report that employee to a police supervisor. This information is being provided to assist you in doing that. Our goal is to provide you with quality police service when you report poor police performance.
Kelli J. Smith, Chief of Police
Who may complain?
Any person, regardless of race, age, sex, nationality, religion, or political preference who witnesses or has direct knowledge of police misconduct, may file a complaint with the Northern Arizona University Police Department.
Responsibility: Ours and yours
The police department takes all citizens’ complaints against its employees seriously, and actively pursues investigations into misconduct. For this reason, you must ensure your complaint is based entirely upon fact. False reporting in an attempt to unjustly subject a police employee to undeserved discipline, or place his/her employment in jeopardy can result in criminal charges and/or civil suit by the employee involved.
When should you complain?
Whenever you witness behavior by any department employee which is contrary to department or university policy, is a violation of law, involved the excessive use of force, or involved discourteous or abusive treatment.
Who investigates the complaint?
Department supervisors are charged with the maintenance of discipline and with overseeing the conduct of employees assigned to their charge. In most cases, the supervisor of the employee conducts the investigation and reports the incident through the chain of command for disposition. In more serious incidents, the department’s internal affairs function investigates incidents which could result in demotion, dismissal, or criminal charges.
What is the complaint procedure?
- Sustained: the allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to justify a reasonable conclusion of guilt
- Not Sustained: insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation
- Exonerated: the incident occurred as reported, but was lawful and proper
- Unfounded: the allegation is false
What will you be told?
City, state, and federal personnel laws govern an employee’s privacy rights. Disciplinary action is not subject to public disclosure without a court order. You will, however, be advised of the supervisor’s findings, in terms of the above listed dispositions.
Complaints and Internal Investigations Completed by NAU PD
Comment on our performance
Commendations or Complaints about employee performance may be submitted:
- By telephone at 928-523-3611
- In writing to
PO Box 5602
Flagstaff, AZ 86001 - Or by filling out the online form below.