COMPLAINT ~

 

 

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HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT OF DISCRIMINATION OR CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
WHAT TO TELL THE NAACP

Answer all questions and be as specific as you can be. These directions are numbered to match the questions on the complaint form.

QUESTION 1: Be sure to give your first, middle and last name including any suffixes like Jr., Sr., III, etc. Provide your phone number. If you do not have a phone, please provide a phone number where you can be reached.

QUESTION 2: Please check the box that indicates what you believe to be the cause of discrimination against you. If other, please state what other situation relates to your case.

QUESTION 3: If you believe that other parties (i.e. labor union or any employment agency, in addition to an employer, were involved in the act of discrimination, please list them on the line in section 3.

QUESTIONS 4,5 and 6: If you have consulted an attorney or filed a complaint with a state or local human relations commission (i.e. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, EEOC), the Federal Government, a union or agency, please check YES and give the name of the agency that you have contacted.

QUESTION 7: Provide the day, month and year of the most recent incident of discrimination. In some cases, the discrimination may be continuing (i.e. seniority lines are segregated).

QUESTION 8: Tell us as much as possible about the incident. This may include: Were you fired? Did you fail to get a promotion? Did a company refuse to hire you? Did a union or employment agency refuse to refer you to a job? Who discriminated against you? Was there police involvement in your complaint (it is critical that you provide this information)? We highly value the services of our police department and are always evaluating their services and approach. Why do you believe it was because of your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or other? Please be sure to give the facts as they exist or existed. Was there anything in your actions that caused the problem you are facing? False information causes us to be ineffective as we try to help you. Please remember WHO, WHAT, WHERE and WHEN as you answer this question. This question usually requires more space so please use additional paper as necessary.

QUESTION 9: Sign your name, date it and mail it to the Lynchburg NAACP. You may also bring it to the office and if no one is there, you may slide it under the door.

The Lynchburg Branch NAACP is located at 300 12th Street.

The mailing address is:
P. O. Box 1574, Lynchburg, VA 24505. The phone number is 434-386-8342. Regular office hours vary so please call the office in advance to speak to a member or leave a message and someone will get back in touch with you.

The General Body meeting of the Lynchburg NAACP is held every 4th Thursday at 6:00PM in the Lynchburg NAACP Office – 1010 Main Street 24504. We encourage you to attend and to also become a member of your local NAACP.

“MEMBERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERISM GENERATES POWER BEYOND MEASURE”

COMMEND AN EMPLOYEE OR FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE LYNCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

How do I commend an Officer or employee?

To commend or compliment the performance of a Lynchburg Police Department employee, notify a Police Department Supervisor by:

  • Visiting the Police Department located at 905 Court Street
  • Calling the Lynchburg Police Department’s non-emergency number at (434) 847-1602
  • Mailing comments to the Lynchburg Police Department at 905 Court Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504
  • Email the Office of the Professional Standards Unit: professionalstandards@lynchburgva.gov

When a commendation is received verbally, this information is forwarded through the chain of command to the Chief of Police. When a compliment or commendation is received by mail, it is forwarded through the chain of command to the Chief of Police. Letters of commendation from citizens are often posted for all employees to view. The Police Department and its employees appreciate the effort and consideration that citizens demonstrate by taking the time to commend employee performance.

What Is Professional Standards?

It is an integral part of the Police Department, reporting directly to the Chief of Police, which monitors police conduct and investigates citizen complaints. The function is necessary to ensure the Department’s credibility, trust, and effectiveness as a law enforcement agency in the Lynchburg community.

Types of investigations conducted by the internal affairs function include: alleged police brutality, profanity, illegal acts, disrespectful conduct, or violations of civil rights committed by police employees.

How Is Your Complaint Handled?

If you want the Department to investigate a formal complaint, you may be asked to be interviewed, possibly recorded on tape, and provide a written statement. It is important for you to make the complaint as soon as possible. The investigator will then interview witnesses and involved officers to obtain statements. All other information and evidence will be analyzed and a conclusion reached. Most investigations are completed within 30 days, and then you are notified.Serious allegation investigations are completed within 90 days and you will be notified by letter of the findings. The LPD policy on Internal Investigations, #1601, is available on this site under the Policies and Directives tab.

How Do you Make a Complaint?

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of police conduct, you can make a complaint. Some complaints, such as rudeness or discourtesy, will normally be handled by the officer’s supervisor or division captain. Complaints deemed to be serious will be handled by the Professional Standards Division.

You can file your complaint by appearing in person at the:

Lynchburg Police Department Professional Standards Division
905 Court Street Lynchburg, VA  24505
Monday – Friday  8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
By Telephone:  Professional Standards Division (434) 455-6052 or
Field Operations Bureau (434) 455-6061 

Special Notes

  • It is important that you make your complaint as soon as possible.
  • If you want a complaint investigated, you may be asked to be interviewed.
  • Upon completion of a formal investigation, the complainant will be notified in writing that the investigation has been completed.
  • If your complaint alleges that police have assaulted you, you should seek medical attention immediately.
  • If your complaint is of an alleged police assault, and there are signs of injury, you should have photographs taken as soon as possible.
  • If you need it, arrangements can be made by an investigating officer to have photographs taken.  We will provide you with transportation to the Police Department, or visit your home.
  • All complaints against employees of this Department will be documented and investigated, including anonymous complaints.
  • Internal investigation statistical summaries are available by contacting the Professional Standards Division at (434) 455-6052.

Allegation of Misconduct / Demeanor Complaints

Internal Investigations (Professional Standards Unit): 434-455-6112 (hours: 9am to 5pm)

Non-emergency (Lyncom): 434-847-1602 / 434-847-1603

Allegation of Misconduct:

  • Corruption
  • Excessive force
  • Violation of civil rights
  • Violation of criminal law
  • Serious breach of department policy

90 Calendar day

  1. Sustained-Sufficient evidence
  2. Non-sustained-insufficient evidence
  3. Exonerated-occurred but actions were proper
  4. Unfounded-false or not factual
  5. Policy failure-allegation is true but employees practices were consistent with dept policy
  6. Complaint withdrawn

What to Do?

Per Lynchburg Polic Department policy officer must provide their name, their badge number

You can call the professional standards phone number. Physically come to the information desk and request to speak with a supervisor (sergeant and above)

Call Lyncom and request a supervisor to call you back in reference to the complaint and leave your number with dispatch.

If you have access to an email, you may send an email to professionalstandards@lynchburgva.gov