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Policy/Procedures

A relationship of trust and confidence between members of the Police Department and the Community they serve is essential to effective law enforcement. Police employees have a special obligation to act in a professional manner and respect the rights of all persons they contact. Law enforcement officers and employees must be free, however, to exercise their best judgment and initiate enforcement action or provide police services in a reasonable and impartial manner without fear of reprisal.

The Burbank Police Department acknowledges its responsibility to establish a system of procedures which not only will subject the employee’s to corrective action when they conduct themselves improperly, but will also support employees when they properly discharge their duties.

If you have a complaint regarding a police employee, it is desirable that you come to the Police Department and speak to a supervisor, however, complaints may be made by telephone (818-238-3130) or by mail (Burbank Police Department, P.O. Box 6459, Burbank, CA, 91510), and can be made anonymously.  Citizen report forms are also available in City Hall in the Community Assistance Coordinator and City Clerk’s Office.  All information received will be treated confidentially by the Burbank Police Department.

Complaint Process

 When filing your complaint, you will be asked to provide the following information:

1. Your name, address, phone number(s), and age.
2. The name, address, phone number(s), and age of the alleged victim, if other than yourself.
3. The date, day, time, and location of the incident about which you are complaining.
4. The names of any witnesses, their address, and phone number(s), if available.
5. The name, badge number, or identifying description of the involved police employee(s), if available.
6. The name, address, and phone number(s) of any attorney or other person representing you and/or the alleged victim in this matter.
7. A narrative description of the events giving rise to your complaint.

A parent or guardian’s signature may be required on any complaint filed by a person under 18 years of age.

An investigator shall be specifically assigned by the Chief or Division Commander, and he/she shall contact all witnesses, examine any relevant evidence, and gather all information pertinent to each allegation made in the complaint.  After completion of a thorough investigation, a complaint disposition shall be made as defined by Burbank Police Department policy for each alleged act of misconduct.

The final disposition of the complaint may be made by the Chief or Division Commander.  When a complaint is sustained, the Chief may determine to administer appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action, including one or more of the following:  counseling, training, written reprimand, suspension, demotion, or termination.

Departmental procedure allows 60 days for completion of an investigation into a citizen complaint. Normally all complaint investigations are completed within this time period. Extensions may be granted by the Chief if additional time is required. In the event of a delay, you will be notified of the reason(s) for the delay by the Department.