Mission Statement: The Mission of the Internal
Affairs Unit (IAD) is to investigate all allegations and
complaints of inappropriate behavior and/or actions made
against employees of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
in a professional manner with integrity.
The Internal Affairs Unit assists the Sheriff in his commitment
to uphold the highest degree of integrity, pride and professionalism
of its employees. Good community relations between the Sheriff's
Office and the public is vital to the Sheriff's Office,
perhaps the most essential element in this relationship
is " Integrity". All complaints and allegations made against
employees are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. |
|
This information has been prepared to acquaint
you with the operation of the Jefferson County Sheriff Office's
Internal Affairs Unit and the complaint investigation process.
The mission of the unit is to protect the public trust through
the thorough investigation of complaints, concerning the
department's employees.
The Internal Affairs Unit is located on the
second floor of the Sheriff's Office at 1001 Pearl Street,
Beaumont, Texas 77701. For your convenience, we also
have an office located within the Jefferson County Correctional
Facility at 5030 Highway 69 South, Beaumont, Texas 77720.
Citizen complaints can be made at either facility. Office
hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
|
|
| Internal
Affairs Division Staff
|
|
|
Supervisor
Lt. Michael D. Pieper
1001 Pearl Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
(409) 835-8635 |
|
| Investigator
Deputy Cathy Werner
P.O. Box 26007
Beaumont, Texas 77720
(409) 726-2505 |
Investigator
Deputy Darrell Clayton
P.O. Box 26007
Beaumont, Texas 77720
(409) 726-2508 |
|
Here are some of the most common questions
and concerns expressed by the public about the complaint
process and the Internal Affairs Unit.
What does the Internal
Affairs Unit do?
The Internal Affairs Unit has the responsibility
of investigating:
|
| |
Allegations of unnecessary
force used by a member of the department in the
performance of duty. |
| |
Any allegation of criminal
conduct by a member of the department. |
| |
Allegations, either from internal or external
sources, of misconduct concerning violations of the
"Code of Conduct", enacted by the Sheriff.
|
| |
Coordinates the receipt, processing and
investigating of internal investigations arising from
citizen and internal complaints. |
| |
The Internal Affairs Unit maintains a
central file of all investigations, conducted on its
employees, which include the nature of the complaint,
the investigation and its outcome. |
| |
The Internal Affairs Unit maintains data
on complaints in order to identify trends or patterns
within the department and will make recommendations
to correct problems. |
|
What constitutes
making an Official Complaint?
The Internal Affairs Unit investigates the
conduct of our officers or employees. The office will
not contest what you were charged with criminally, or cited
for in a traffic violation. These concerns should be handled
through the proper court of law. The Internal Affairs
Division looks into the actions of our employees, both on
and off duty. Sworn officers are held to a higher standard
and are expected to handle themselves in a manner outlined
in our "Code of Conduct". If you believe that
a Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy or Corrections Officer
did not act with proper conduct or professionalism, then
you are encouraged to file an official complaint with the
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Internal Affairs Division.
How do I make a Complaint?
There are several options to choose from.
Complaints involving the Corrections Division should be
made directly to the Internal Affairs Unit. Complaints involving
a department in the Law Enforcement Division, can be made
by doing any of the following: |
| |
Contact an on-duty supervisor,
who fill out a Personnel Complaint Form
for you. This form will be reviewed by the Chief Deputy
and forwarded to the Internal Affairs Unit. (Note: You
may choose to file an "Informal Complaint"
against a member of the department. This is often done
by citizens who, "don't want the deputy to get
into any trouble, but rather have him/her counseled
by their supervisor". The supervisor will still
complete the above form and forward it to the Internal
Affairs Unit. The Internal Affairs Unit may still investigate
these complaints, if conduct is found to be in violation
of the departments Code of Conduct). |
| |
Picking up a Personnel Complaint
Form at either the Downtown Sheriff's Office or
the Jefferson County Correctional Facility. Finish the
form and returning it to the Internal Affairs Division,
in person or by mail. |
| |
Contacting the Internal Affairs Division
via mail or telephone. |
|
How long does and
investigation take to complete?
Investigations in the Internal Affairs Division
may take up to ninety (90) days to reach the final disposition,
however most investigations are completed in much less time.
Depending on the severity, nature of the case and number
of witnesses or officers to be interviewed, investigations
will rarely extend beyond the permitted ninety days. If
the investigation does go beyond that time limit, the complainant
will receive notice from the Internal Affairs Division explaining
the delay in the investigation.
How long before I
am notified of the outcome of the investigation? |
| |
Sustained |
The complaint was supported. |
| |
Not Sustained |
Insufficient evidence to either prove
or disprove the complaint. |
| |
Unfounded |
The complaint was false and did not occur. |
| |
Exonerated |
The act of the complaint occurred
but was legal, justified and proper under the circumstances.
|
|
