We at the Oxnard Police Department are constantly striving to provide the highest quality service in a courteous and professional manner. Those that we serve are an important source of information and feedback about the quality of our service. Also, unfortunately, in the course of police operations, conflicts or misunderstandings arise between Police Department employees and community members. Recognizing these facts, we have an established procedure that permits members of the community to report Police Department employee conduct that they feel is exemplary of unprofessional. If you feel that a member of the Oxnard Police Department has acted in a commendable manner or has acted improperly, a “Citizen Commendation/Complaint” form is available.
The purpose of this commendation/complaint procedure is two fold. First, we wish to give the community an opportunity to document their appreciation for the efforts of our employees. Secondly, this is a method to monitor Police Department employee conduct and to take corrective action when the circumstances justify it. The Citizen’s complaint procedure will not be used as a means for reducing or dropping a criminal or traffic charge. It is a formal, administrative procedure used by the police administration to insure that members of the community are treated properly and are receiving superior service.
We encourage member of the community to report superior service or misconduct on the part of the Police Department employees. However, we have an obligation to our employees to present for prosecution all violations of California Penal Code Section 148.6 which states in part, “Every person who files any allegation of misconduct against any peace officer as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 – Part 2, knowing the allegation to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor.”
In all instances, we encourage community members to contact the Watch Commander or a Supervisor. Watch Commanders are available 24 hours a day at 385-7778. Community members can request that the Police Department employee call a Supervisor at the time of the incident. Many times, in negative encounters, the Watch Commander or Supervisor can provide information that explains what occurred. If they cannot satisfactorily explain the conduct of a Police Department employee or a policy of this department, you should submit a “Citizen’s Commendation/Complaint” so that the incident may be investigated.
Scott Whitney
Chief of Police