Overview
The Office of Ethical Standards plays a crucial role in making the operations of the Hayward Police Department more transparent and accountable to the community we serve. A positive relationship between the police and the public they serve, fostered by confidence and trust, are essential to effective law enforcement.
To help accomplish this goal, it is the role of the Office of Ethical Standards Unit to ensure that all employees of the Hayward Police Department comply with federal, state and local laws, as well as all departmental policies in the daily performance of their duties.
The Hayward Police Department is committed to a fair and consistent discipline process and has established the Office of Ethical Standards to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints of employee misconduct.
Duties include:
- managing complaints against the Police Department employees and internal investigations;
- reviewing Police Department policies, procedures and practices;
- conducting audits within the Department
- acting as liaison with the City Attorney’s Office.
For more information, please call
Lieutenant Jason Martinez at 510-293-7283
Sergeant Mark Stuart at 510-293-7059
Commendations
We encourage our Police Officers and employees to be "service oriented" and to strive to achieve the highest standard of policing. This is anchored by our belief in Community Policing, our focus on service delivery at the neighborhood level, and our community partnerships.
Therefore, there is no greater recognition for them than to be complimented for their excellent service by a citizen. Everyone enjoys receiving recognition for their efforts and there is no question that most of our officers and non-sworn members of the Hayward Police Department are doing an outstanding job in our demanding city.
Commendations can range from a citizen's letter to an employee receiving a service medal. This may include acts such as unusual kindness, compassion or courtesy, significant life-saving measures, or heroic acts. Commendations can also address everyday occurrences that have helped improve your quality of life, your neighborhood, or your community.
When providing commendation information in letter form, please describe the events or incident along with the name(s) of all involved. Let us know why they impressed you or assisted you. What action did they take that made the difference? Depending on the circumstances surrounding the events or incident the employee's action will be considered and evaluated when deciding what level of recognition they will receive. In all cases the employee and their supervisor will be notified regarding the commendation received. The Chief of Police most often receives the information and the commendation will be placed in the employee's personnel file.
Complaints
The Office of Ethical Standards accepts and investigates allegations of misconduct where there is a question whether any Hayward Police Department employee was acting outside of policy and procedure. Cases investigated by the OES originate with complaints filed by either the public (known as external complaints) or by departmental employees (known as internal complaints).
It is the responsibility of the OES to conduct thorough, impartial, and timely investigations into allegations of misconduct or violations of the Hayward Police Department Policy and Procedure Manual, or any reported criminal conduct committed by a member of the department.
Upon completion of the investigation, your complaint will be classified with one of the following dispositions:
Sustained- The investigation disclosed enough evidence to clearly prove the allegation.
Not Sustained- The investigation failed to reveal enough evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegation.
Exonerated- The act which provided the basis for the complaint did occur; however, investigation revealed the act was justified, lawful and appropriate under the circumstances.
Unfounded- The investigation has produced sufficient evidence to prove that the act or acts alleged did not occur.
No Finding- The complaining party and/or witnesses fail to cooperate after the investigation has commenced, the complainant withdraws the complaint, or the complainant is no longer available for clarification.
You will be notified of the finding in writing at the conclusion. When a finding of Sustained is determined, corrective action will be taken. Discipline may include counseling, training, and action up to and including termination.
By law, we cannot divulge information about discipline or other administrative action that may be taken in response to sustained findings regarding your complaint to you or anyone else.
How to Make a Complaint or Commendation
A commendation or complaint may be made verbally or in writing at any time of the day or night to any police supervisory personnel. Usually, an explanation of the situation in person, by telephone, or by mail is all that is needed to initiate a review or investigation of the matter. If you call or come to the Police Department, you will be referred to an on-duty supervisor or Watch Commander. All complaints are reviewed by the Office of Ethical Standards and most are investigated by this office; however some investigations are referred to the involved person(s) direct supervisor for investigation.
To download a Citizen Complaint Procedure brochure please choose a language and click on the appropriate link below:
2009 Investigation Statistics
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