Citizen Compliments or Complaints

Canyon Police Department 
Police Mission Statement 

In cooperation with the community, the Canyon Police Department is dedicated to providing police services, promoting the agency's goals of "Public Safety". The Police Mission includes the maintenance of social order within carefully prescribed ethical, constitutional, and legal restrictions. This mission is accomplished through clearly defined law enforcement objectives.

Citizen Compliments

Our officers strive to go above and beyond their call of duty. Law enforcement employees, like everyone else, appreciate when their good deeds are recognized. If an officer from the Canyon Police Department provides service that you feel should be complimented or commended then please write a letter, card, or note to the Chief of Police. The Chief will notify the employee and a copy of the letter will be placed in the officer's personnel file. You can also send a message to us on Facebook or contact the on-duty supervisor about the good deed. Your words of praise boost officer's morale and encourage more productive police work. We are proud of our good relationship with the Canyon Community and want to continue to serve your law enforcement needs.

 

Citizen Complaints

The Canyon Police Department recognizes that police/citizen conflicts do occur. However, it is essential for public safety concern that the relationship between police and citizens is built on public confidence and mutual trust. Law enforcement cannot be effective without public support.

 

Police officers must be free to exercise officer discretion in reasonable, lawful, and impartial manner without fear of reprisal. At the same time, police must observe the rights of all citizens. The agency’s disciplinary system includes training, counseling, as well as punitive actions. While it is designed to make corrective actions for police misconduct, it also protects police officers from unwarranted criticism when they discharge their law enforcement duties properly. A disagreement over the validity of a traffic citation is not a complaint. Such disagreements are directed to the Canyon Municipal Court to be resolved in accordance with State Law. 

 

Complaint Process

The complaint process is designed to accept complaints from any person, who believed that the police have treated them unfairly. No person shall be discouraged, intimidated, or coerced from filing a complaint against a police officer. Citizens who file a complaint of police misconduct will be treated with respect. All complaints will be investigated thoroughly and in an impartial manner. The facts of the investigation will be reported directly to the Chief of Police for final disposition. 

Many complaints can be resolved satisfactory with the officer’s immediate supervisor by a visit or telephone call. First Line Supervisors are responsible to resolve minor complaints at their level. Formal complaints, involving serious allegations will be documented in writing and forwarded to the Chief of Police for review, assignment, and follow-up. 

 

Complaint Process

  • Written complaint, stating allegation of police misconduct
  • Notification of Officer
  • Written response from Officer
  • Interview any witnesses and document in writing
  • Review any and all video footage of incident
  • Supervisory recommendation
  • Conclusion of facts

After a thorough investigation, the complaint will be classified as one of the following:

  • Unfounded- the alleged incident or misconduct is false or there is no credible evidence to support it
  • Not sustained- insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation; the case is closed due to lack of cooperation from the complaint
  • Not involved- the employee was not involved in the incident
  • Sustained- sufficient evidence to support the allegation
  • Exonerated- the conduct occurred, but was proper or justified

Sustained allegations could result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to remedial training, employee counseling, written reprimand, suspension, demotion, or termination. The Chief of Police will retain the right to make the final disposition of each complaint of police misconduct.

 

Our Mission

The mission of the Canyon Police Department is the maintenance of social order, within carefully prescribed ethical, constitutional, and legal restrictions. In partnership with the community, the Canyon Police Department is dedicated to providing professional law enforcement services, which promote public safety. The success of our mission depends upon our ability to:

  • Manage organizational resources effectively and efficiently
  • Maintain financial stability
  • Provide long-range program developments, such as the Agency Recognition Program
  • Ensure that the citizens receive the quality of life expected through the delivery of fair, impartial and equitable law enforcement services 

 

City of Canyon Core Values

  • Integrity
  • Customer Service
  • Excellence
  • Respect
  • Teamwork


301 16th St
Canyon, Tx 79015
806-655-5005
Chief Steve Brush
sbrush@canyontx.com