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Professional Standards
Contact
Sgt. Ryan Custer
303-384-8193
The Golden Police Department is committed to providing quality law enforcement to the citizens and visitors of Golden.
To maintain the integrity of the department and ensure quality police service, the department has an internal investigation procedure which enables the department to thoroughly and systematically investigate all complaints of misconduct against its members. The Professional Standards Unit also documents all compliments made regarding the conduct of officers and other members of the department.
How do I make a complaint?
The Golden Police Department accepts complaints from any source. Persons who make a complaint will be treated fairly and courteously.
To make the process as convenient as possible, complaints may be filed in several different ways:
- Appear in person at the Golden Police Department at 911 10th Street and ask to speak to someone in the Professional Standards Unit or the on-duty watch commander.
- Telephone the Golden Police Department at 303-384-8045 and ask to speak to someone in the Professional Standards Unit or the on-duty watch commander.
- Write the Golden Police Department at:
911 10th Street
Golden, CO 80401
Attention: Professional Standards Unit
- Complete complaint form (pdf)
- Via e-mail
In any complaint, it is important to include as much information as possible that may aid in the investigation. This includes the name of the department member, type of incident, as well as the location, date and time of occurrence if known. A report number or ticket number are also helpful. Please also include your address and phone number so that you can be contacted if additional questions arise.
What happens after a complaint is made?
An internal investigation will be conducted into every allegation of employee misconduct.
Once your complaint has been received, it is given a tracking number by the Professional Standards Unit. You will receive written notification that the complaint has been received. The report is then assigned for investigation.
The investigation may take up to thirty days to complete, however, the process could take additional time in extreme or complicated cases. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated, as our goal is to reach a truthful accounting of facts on which to base our decisions.
When the investigation is complete the Professional Standards Unit investigator will forward the findings to the Chief of Police, who will determine the final disposition of the case. You will receive a letter from the Chief of Police explaining the findings and outcome of the complaint.
If a complaint is substantiated, the department will take corrective action.
What if I want to compliment a department member?
We encourage your feedback when officers or other department members perform their duties in an exemplary manner.
All members of the Golden Police Department are involved with the public, at some level, on a daily basis. The involvement varies on a daily basis. Because it is all part of the job, good deeds often go unrecognized.
Encouraging comments from the public are certain morale boosters for the individual department members. These comments also help supervisors recognize those employees that are consistently doing their job well. These employees become role models within the department.
There are several ways to compliment an officer for a job well done:
Appear in person at the Golden Police Department at 911 10th Street and ask to speak to someone in the Professional Standards Unit or the on-duty watch commander.
- Telephone the Golden Police Department at 303-384-8045 and ask to speak to someone in the Professional Standards Unit or the on-duty watch commander.
- Write the Golden Police Department at:
911 10th Street
Golden, CO 80401
Attention: Professional Standards Unit
e-mail the compliment
Making false or malicious allegations
The Golden Police Department will accept complaints from any source. Persons who make a complaint will be treated fairly and courteously.
The Golden Police Department and its members are accountable for the manner in which they provide services to citizens. The Professional Standards Unit serves as a means for the public to file legitimate complaints.
While supporting this process, the department holds the public responsible for filing only legitimate complaints, and not those that may be false or malicious allegations. The investigation process is time consuming and false or malicious allegations serve only to impede the department’s ability to provide quality law enforcement services.
It is a criminal offense to knowingly make a false report to law enforcement authorities. The Golden Police Department will initiate appropriate legal action in cases involving intentional false reporting.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Golden Police Department is to work cooperatively with the community to provide a safe and secure environment by being responsive to the needs of those we serve.
We value human life, dignity, and respect for constitutional rights.
We are committed to treat everyone with courtesy, respect, and fairness.
We value community safety and community involvement.
We value professional development that encourages employees to seek their maximum potential.
We value quality service provided by a highly trained work force.
We value teamwork, innovation, flexibility, integrity, and initiative.
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