Citizens who are unhappy or not satisfied with the Dover Police Department and/or individual officers or employees are encouraged to voice their concerns or dissatisfaction immediately to the on-duty supervisor.  A command-level staff officer can also be contacted during normal business hours Monday through Friday:

• Patrol Unit Commander

302-736-7131

• Special Enforcement Unit Commander

302-736-7145

• Criminal Investigation Unit Commander

302-736-7132

On-duty supervisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Citizens may telephone 302-736-7111, appear in person at the Dover Police Department, or request from any officers to speak to a supervisor.

In addition to the availability of the on-duty supervisor or staff officer, the complaint may be reported to the Office of Internal Affairs during normal business hours Monday through Friday:

• Internal Affairs

302-736-7124

Please Note: A person who knowingly reports false information to the police is subject to arrest and prosecution.

What to Expect:

1.  You main remain anonymous if you so desire.  However, you will be asked to complete a Citizen Complaint Form and you will be given a copy of that initial form.  On the form, you will describe your complaint and indicate if you wish to be contacted and proceed with your complaint.  On some occasions, the supervisor or staff officer will be able to resolve your complaint immediately.  These complaint forms are available at the Dover Police Department, or you may download a form and bring it to the police department.  Download a Citizen Complaint Form (Adobe PDF format).
2. The initial complaint form will be forwarded to the Deputy Chief of Police who will review it and brief the Chief of Police.  If the complaint had not been immediately resolved, the Deputy Chief of Police will then assign the complaint to a command or supervisory officer to take action or he may assign it to the Office of Internal Affairs to conduct a formal investigation.
3. If a formal investigation is warranted, you will be formally interviewed and that interview will be recorded.  The officer or civilian employee will also be formally interviewed along with all applicable witnesses.
4. Upon conclusion of the investigation (within 90 days) you will be given notice of the results.
5. If the results of the investigation sustain any acts of misconduct against an officer then the officer shall be given appropriate discipline, or may elect to proceed to a Professional Standards Board selected by the Criminal Justice Council.
6. If a Professional Standards Board is requested a hearing will be held.  This hearing is similar to a trial and the complainant will be required to testify.  A panel of three board members will sit as the judging body.
7. If a criminal complaint is alleged against an officer then the Dover Police Department will consult with the Department of Justice concerning a criminal investigation.  This may be conducted in addition to the administrative internal investigation.