How Are We Doing?
The Hamilton Police is committed to providing the best service possible. Feedback from the public is essential if we are to succeed in this goal. If you have questions or comments concerning our operational procedures, or recommendations on how we can improve our service, you may contact the police department and offer your suggestions to any supervisor or the Chief of Police. In order to be responsive to the needs of our community, we encourage residents and visitors input. Your constructive comments about our service, good or bad, will help us to improve and achieve our goal of providing the highest quality police service possible.
Commending Exceptional Performance:
The best way to commend the performance of a Hamilton Police Officer is to write a brief letter or email describing the incident and the actions the employee demonstrated which you felt were exceptional. Information such as the date, time, and location will help identify the employee if you do not know his/her name. If you choose not to write, you may speak with the individual’s supervisor and make a verbal commendation. Commendations received will be forwarded to the employee with a copy placed in his/her personnel file. Although our employees do not expect to be thanked for everything they do, recognition of exceptional service is always appreciated. This kind of feedback helps us to know if we are doing a good job.
Making an Inquiry or Complaint:
An inquiry or complaint can be made by letter, email, telephone, or in person. Complaints against personnel should be directed to the on-duty supervisor, or Chief of Police. If your inquiry or complaint appears to be based on a misunderstanding or a lack of knowledge of acceptable or desired conduct, procedures, or practices, the officer may offer an explanation. If you are not satisfied with his/her explanation, you may request to speak with the employee’s supervisor. Please be prepared to provide the date, time, and location of the event; the name of the officer involved (if known); and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any possible witnesses.
Contact Information:
Hamilton Police Department
265 Bay Road
Hamilton, MA 01982
Police Department Phone #: (978) 468-1212
Responsibility Yours and Ours
The Hamilton Police Department views all complaints against its employees very seriously and actively pursues investigations of misconduct. For this reason, you must ensure that your complaint is based on facts. False reporting in an attempt to unjustly subject a Hamilton Police Officer to undeserved discipline or slander, or place his/her employment in jeopardy, can result in criminal charges or civil liability.
Investigation Procedures
A complaint investigation will usually include a review of all applicable reports, policies and procedures, examination of any evidence or medical records, and interviews with all parties and witnesses involved. This may take several weeks to investigate/review, where as a simple inquiry may only take a few days to complete.
FAQ
Q: Is there any risk in making a complaint against an employee?
A: No, but if a person deliberately makes a false complaint and statement against a member, that person may be criminally prosecuted or civilly liable.
Q: What happens when an investigation is initiated?
A: The complainant and the department employee will be notified that the case is under investigation.
Q: What happens when an investigation is concluded?
A: The complainant will be informed as to the outcome of their complaint.
Q: What happens to an employee if he/she is found to have acted improperly?
A: Depending on the severity of the conduct, dispositions of the investigation can range from retraining to discipline.
Q: What happens if a complaint cannot be proven or is not true?
A: Hamilton Police Officers must be provided with certain rights, just as all citizens are. Complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. If there is insufficient evidence to prove an allegation, the employee will be cleared of the charge.
Download Complaint Form
Complaint Form
