POST INVESTIGATIONS & COMPLAINT PROCESS
POST’s administrative authority covers peace officer and dispatcher certifications, as defined by Utah Code Ann. 53-6-211(1) (peace officers) and 53-6-309(1) (dispatchers). Criminal and civil rights complaints are outside POST’s investigative purview. Similarly, POST will not investigate allegations of unprofessional behavior that do not fall under UCA 53-6-211(1).
Where to File a Complaint:
- Certification Related Complaints (POST):
- For misconduct falling under Utah Code Ann. 53-6-211(1) or 53-6-309(1), file a complaint with POST. (See Instructions Below)
- Agency Policy/Misconduct Complaints (Employing Agency):
- For agency policy violations or alleged illicit misconduct, file a complaint with the employing agency (e.g., police department, sheriff’s office, dispatch center).
- Contact the agency directly for complaint procedures or check their website.
- Most agencies have internal affairs or professional standards processes.
Important Considerations:
- Documentation: Document all details: dates, times, locations, names, and evidence.
- Clarity: Clearly state the complaint and specific inappropriate actions.
- Procedure Adherence: Follow POST or agency complaint procedures.
- Separate Filing: File separate complaints with POST and the agency if both certification and policy violations are involved.
How to File a Complaint with POST:
To file a complaint regarding peace officer or dispatcher conduct relative to certification, please use one of the following methods:
- Email:
- Send your complaint to support@utahpost.org.
- Online Submission:
- Submit a ticket via the “Ask Us” tab on our website.
- Mail:
- Send a letter to:
Peace Officer Standards and Training
Attn: POST Investigations
410 West 9800 South
Sandy, UT 84070
- Phone:
- Call 801-256-2300 and request to speak with a POST Investigator.
- Phone hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- In-Person:
- Visit POST at:
Salt Lake Community College Larry Miller Campus – Public Safety and Education Training Center (PSET) building.
410 West 9800 South
Sandy, UT 84070
- In-person complaint hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Citizen Complaint Guidance:
Citizens are encouraged to report alleged misconduct by peace officers or dispatchers to POST if they believe their conduct was unlawful and pertaining to a peace officer’s certification (UCA 53-6-211(1)).
Important Considerations:
- Good Faith Reporting: Complaints must be made in good faith. False or exaggerated complaints hinder the investigation process.
- Legal Consequences: Knowingly making false accusations to discredit an officer or dispatcher may result in prosecution under Utah Code Ann. 76-8-504.5, a Class A misdemeanor.