Citizen Commendation and Complaint Procedure
COMMENDATION AND COMPLAINT FORM
NORTH PROVIDENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT: BUILDING TRUST WITH THE COMMUNITY
The North Providence Police Department is committed to earning and maintaining the public’s trust. Our
goal is clear: to safeguard that trust each and every day.
We understand that the support and cooperation of the community we serve are vital. We view our
relationship with the public as a partnership, one that we are dedicated to strengthening and protecting.
Every member of our department shares in this responsibility, which is central to our citizen
commendation and complaint process.
This document provides clear instructions on how to commend or file a complaint about our officers and
services. Below, we address some of the most common questions the public has about the process.
COMMENDATIONS
When a commendation is given verbally, it will be documented and forwarded through the chain of
command to the Chief of Police. Written letters of commendation from citizens are displayed for all
department employees to view. We deeply appreciate the time and effort citizens take to commend our
officers.
HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT?
Complaints can be made by anyone, and we accept complaints made anonymously, in person, or over
the phone. Ideally, complaints should be made directly by the person involved in the incident.
We accept complaints against the Police Department, its officers, civilian employees, and other workers
or agents of the Department. If you have an issue, you may initially speak with any supervisor or a
member of the Office of Professional Standards about the complaint process. Depending on the severity
of the allegation, you may be referred to the immediate supervisor or the Office of Professional
Standards. During the investigation, you may be asked to provide a sworn statement. If you wish, you can bring
someone with you to the meeting. We are committed to treating you respectfully, and you should not
fear intimidation or improper behavior. When making a complaint, simply state the facts as you know them. Avoid adding extra details or embellishing the situation, as you will be asked specific questions regarding the facts.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I FILE A COMPLAINT?
Once you have completed and signed your complaint, you can bring the form to the North Providence
Police Department at 1835 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, RI 02904. You can request to
speak with a supervisor to submit it. Alternatively, you can mail the form to the police department or
email it to: Professional-standards@northprovidenceri.gov
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE INVESTIGATION?
If your complaint involves serious misconduct, such as excessive force, false arrest, or violations of
criminal law, it will be investigated by the Office of Professional Standards. For less serious issues, such
as rudeness or minor infractions, a supervisor may conduct the investigation. However, if the supervisor
determines the issue is more serious, the case may be referred to the Office of Professional Standards.
Once the investigation is completed, the findings will be sent to the Chief of Police. Based on the
findings, the complaint will be categorized as “sustained,” “not sustained,” or “unfounded.” If the
complaint is sustained, the Chief will recommend appropriate disciplinary action to the Director of
Public Safety. Possible actions include retraining, counseling, reprimand, suspension without pay,
transfer, reassignment, demotion, or dismissal. All disciplinary decisions will adhere to the Rhode Island
Law Enforcement Officer’s Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act.
DO ALL COMPLAINTS GET INVESTIGATED?
Yes, all complaints are thoroughly reviewed and investigated in accordance with departmental policies,
the employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and the Rhode Island Law Enforcement
Officer’s Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER INVESTIGATION?
After the investigation is complete, the investigating officer will inform you of the results. If you are
dissatisfied with the findings, you can request that an independent agency review the case. Depending
on the nature of the allegation, our Office of Professional Standards will provide guidance on which
agency to contact. Additionally, making a complaint does not prevent you from pursuing other legal or
formal avenues if you believe you have been wronged. All complaints involving potential legal
violations will be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General for review.
WHAT ABOUT COMPLAINT ABOUT RUDENESS OR POOR SERVICE?
The Office of Professional Standards will review all complaints, including those about rudeness or poor
service. Depending on the nature of the complaint, a supervisor may investigate it.
IS THERE ANY RISK TO ME WHEN I FILE A COMPLAINT?
No, there is no risk unless you knowingly file a false complaint. If you intentionally file a false
complaint against an officer, you may face criminal charges and/or civil liability.
WILL THE POLICE INVESTIGATE THEIR OWN OFFICERS IMPARTIALLY?
Yes, we are fully committed to impartial investigations. Professional policing requires us to hold every
officer and employee to the highest standards. Misconduct will not be tolerated, as any tolerance for
such behavior undermines public trust and diminishes our ability to serve the community effectively.
DOES THE POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVE MANY COMPLAINTS?
No. Our officers respond to over 30,000 calls for service each year, handle more than 60,000 phone
calls, and interact with thousands of people in various service-related situations. Less than half of one
percent of these interactions result in complaints about employee conduct or behavior.
Policing is a challenging and demanding profession. The North Providence Police Department is
committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, while also protecting both our
officers from unwarranted complaints and our citizens from mistreatment. Throughout this process, we
will work to preserve your trust, foster collaboration, and strengthen our partnership with the
community.
North Providence Police Department
Office of Professional Standards
1835 Mineral Spring Avenue
North Providence, RI 02904
(401) 231-4533 ext. 1111
Professional-standards@northprovidenceri.gov
The Commendation/Complaint form can be accessed by clicking on the following link: COMMENDATION AND COMPLAINT FORM
The above form must be submitted to the Police Department. The form can be submitted in person, by mail at the above address, or by Fax at the above number.
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
