Peace Officer Standards and Training Menu

POST INVESTIGATIONS & COMPLAINT PROCESS

POST’s administrative authority over peace officer and dispatcher certifications is defined in 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:

  • Complete the online Complaint Intake Form -or-
  • Mail:
    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 (By Appointment Only:
    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.