Sheriff's Office - Complaints

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the protection of life and property of over forty thousand citizens and thousands of square miles in our county. Our deputies are highly trained and educated. They serve with professional pride and they want you, the public to share this pride.

Deputies serve as mediators or arbitrators in many cases where they are requested to resolve differences between individuals or groups. Many times the decisions made by the deputies will restrict the freedom and liberty of these individuals. The decisions may materially affect the course of people’s lives.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has a procedure for assisting anyone desiring to make a grievance regarding our operations, policies and procedures or employees.

All investigations are thorough and objective. They are aimed at maintaining public confidence and department integrity. The goal is neither to condemn nor to exonerate but to identify and evaluate all of the facts surrounding an incident in question.

Effect on Criminal Prosecution

The investigation within the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office of the conduct of its employees and the District Attorneys prosecution of a criminal case are two entirely separate matters. If a person arrested by a Sheriff’s Deputy files a citizen complaint against the deputy, such action will not affect the prosecutor’s independent decision to proceed with the criminal action.

Citizen's Obligation

A mandatory requirement in the initiation of a citizen complaint against an employee is that it must be accurate and honest. Simple errors, omissions and misperceptions are understandable and are not uncommon. Legitimate complaints will and should be filed and investigated. However, a false complaint may subject you to civil or criminal action and prosecution by the deputy or employee.

This advisement is not intended to dissuade a complaint but to impress upon you that false complaints against officers or employees cannot be made with impunity or without repercussive action.

Procedure

Every citizen has the right to lodge a complaint against the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office or its employees. You may make initial complaints by telephone, in person, or letter. At your request, a complaint form will be provided you. Completed complaint forms may either be delivered or mailed to the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office. It will be necessary for the complainant to be available for a personal interview.

Once a complaint is received, a thorough investigation will be initiated and conducted. Upon completion of the investigation, all findings and respective recommendations will be directed through divisional commanders to the Sheriff for final review.

In all cases, the citizen making the complaint is informed of its final disposition to the extent allowed by law. Department investigators will make every effort to be sincere and candid in each situation. However, in those instances where the citizen feels that a proper investigation has not been conducted, you may seek further recourse through any of the listed offices and agencies.