OUR MISSION

"The men and women of the Palm Springs Police Department, empowered by and in partnership with the community, are dedicated to providing professional, ethical, and courteous service to all."

It's not just our motto.  We take pride in providing quality service to our community and any time we fall short, we take it seriously.  At times, complaints occur because of a misunderstanding, so we always appreciate the opportunity to talk with you before you make the decision to file a formal complaint.  Feel free to stop by or call an on-duty supervisor at any time to discuss your concerns.  The Watch Commander can be reached at (760) 323-8115.

Of course, we always want to hear about exceptional police service you received!  Click this link to compliment a Palm Springs Police Department employee. 

If you do make the decision to file a formal complaint, please review the Citizen Complaint FAQ Page. 

This is the online Citizen Complaint Form.

The Palm Springs Police Department has a strict policy which prohibits retaliation against complainants and/or witnesses. 

Should you decide to file your complaint with the department in person, you are welcomed to come to the lobby where you can obtain a complaint form.   The Palm Springs Police Department is located at:  

Palm Springs Police Department
200 S. Civic Drive
Palm Springs, CA  92262

EMPLOYEE COMPLAINT PROCESS

The Department's Personnel Complaint policy provides guidelines for the reporting, investigation and disposition of complaints regarding the conduct of its members and employees. Personnel complaints consist of misconduct or improper job performance that is a violation of department policy, federal, state or local law.

A person can file a formal complaint or informally inquire about a department employee's conduct. Inquiries involve actions by an employee that is of concern to a complainant, but is determined not to be misconduct and the complaining party is satisfied that appropriate action was taken.  A formal complaint is a matter in which the complaining party requests further investigation, or which a supervisor or command officer determines further action is warranted.

A complaint may be filed in person, in writing, by e-mail, or by telephoning the Department. Complainants making a complaint in writing are encouraged to complete the complaint on a Personnel Complaint Report available at the Police Department or online. Although not required, the Department encourages the complaining party to appear in person. A complaint can be made anonymously or by a third party, and the matter will be investigated to the extent that sufficient information is provided.  

Every Department employee becoming aware of alleged misconduct shall immediately notify a supervisor. A supervisor receiving a complaint from any source alleging misconduct of an employee will initiate a preliminary investigation. Depending upon the nature of the allegation, the matter may be handled by the supervisor or turned over to the Professional Standards Unit for investigation.

An administrative investigation of an officer is governed by a variety of State laws and Department policies. The investigation shall proceed with due diligence. Upon completion, the report is forwarded to the employee's commanding officer. After careful review, the commanding officer makes a recommendation to the Division Captain, who then issues discipline. The Police Chief then classifies each allegation of misconduct with one of the following dispositions:

• Sustained - The act occurred and that it constituted misconduct.
• Unfounded - The alleged act did not occur, are frivolous, or did not involve department personnel.
• Not Sustained - There is insufficient evidence to sustain the complaint or fully exonerate the employee.
• Exonerated - The act was justified, lawful and/or proper.
• No Finding - The complaint was dropped, or the complainant did not cooperate.

Sustained allegations can result in discipline to include training, reprimand, suspension, demotion and/or termination. State law prevents the Department from disclosing the specifics of any disciplinary action, but the Department will notify the complainant of the disposition for each allegation in the investigation. For further information, please contact Janice Simpson, Executive Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police, at (760) 323-8126.