Normally a supervisory officer will visit you on an informal basis to tell you about the complaints procedure and to give you the opportunity to discuss your complaint. Whenever possible, the supervisory officer will explain why the officer, subject to the complaint, took a certain course of action. In addition, the supervisory officer will explain what the officer’s duties were, what the police powers were, and the context in which the officer acted.
Experience has shown that many people are unaware of the limitations of police authority and that an explanation provided by a supervisory officer may help to clarify the situation. If you are satisfied with the explanation given by the supervisory officer, your complaint will proceed no further.
You may be asked to sign a release confirming that you are satisfied with this disposition. A record will be maintained of what has taken place. Any allegation of criminal conduct or policy violation would not be subject to informal resolution.