Please provide the closest approximation of the date
and time of the incident. If this is an ongoing situation,
please provide the first or earliest date possible.

How can I contact OPS?
Office of Professional Standards
(509) 735-6555, ops.sheriff@co.benton.wa.us

If I have any questions about the process,
who should I call?
You should be in close contact with the supervisor
conducting the investigation and should address
specific concerns or additional information to them
while your case is investigated. If for some reason
your questions are not answered, you may contact
the OPS at (509) 735-6555.

What happens if I am unhappy with the
outcome of my complaint?
If you do not agree with the results of the
investigation of your complaint, you may submit a
letter to the investigations commander requesting
reconsideration. The investigations commander
shall review the investigation, determine if it was
properly handled, and notify you of the review
findings in writing.

About Us
To accomplish our mission, we must foster and
maintain a relationship of trust with communities
we serve. Just as deputies are free to initiate law
enforcement action in a reasonable, lawful, and
impartial manner, citizens are also free to file a
complaint against Sheriff's Office employees
without fear of reprisal, retribution, or harassment.

The Office of Professional Standards
(OPS) has an established system to receive
complaints and investigate those complaints. We
also have the responsibility of initiating
disciplinary action when appropriate. Our goal is to
resolve the issues in a thorough, timely, and
courteous manner.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office is
committed to collaborative partnerships,
safeguarding the community by
protecting their rights, while building
and maintaining trust.

The law enforcement commendation process is an opportunity for citizens to recognize and appreciate the outstanding work of deputies and other law enforcement personnel. The process begins with the submission of a formal commendation form, highlighting the specific actions or behaviors of the deputy or staff member that made a positive impact on the community. Once submitted, the commendation is reviewed by a committee and if approved, the officer is notified and awarded with the appropriate award. These awards provide a source of pride and motivation for officers who have gone above and beyond their call of duty. The law enforcement commendation process serves as a reminder that the efforts of our law enforcement staff are appreciated and valued by the citizens they serve.

It is our agency's policy to recognize employees who have provided exceptional professional service to the public or performed extraordinary acts of bravery or heroism, above and beyond that which is normally expected in the line of duty. We invite nominations for recognition of these employees from the communities we serve. Please see any Sheriff's Office employee and ask them for a citizen commendation form, use the on-line "Commendations & Complaints" form or email ops.sheriff@co.benton.wa.us. We will ensure your appreciation is shared with our valued employees.

Most often, the employee's supervisor will conduct the complaint investigation because they have first-hand knowledge of their employees and monitor their daily conduct. If the case is more serious in nature, or requires an in-depth investigation, the complaint may be assigned to the OPS. The final outcome of the investigation will be sent to you in writing.

We will first attempt to put you in touch with the supervisor of the employee. The supervisor will document the complaint and immediately send a copy of the report to OPS. The OPS sergeant monitors complaints on employees and has a system in place that can help identify potential problem employees early, before questionable conduct becomes bad conduct.

Every complaint is different in both circumstance and seriousness. In the event a complaint is sustained the Sheriff's Office will discipline employees in a manner that is fair and consistent. Sanctions against those who violate our policies may include counseling, written reprimand, suspension, demotion or termination. If the investigation into the complaint is found to be unfounded or non-sustained, no action will be taken against the employee.

While we encourage those who make commendations and complaints to provide their names and other information, we do accept anonymous submissions. During the course of the investigation, additional information may be required from you to ensure a successful conclusion. *Please note that we respect your privacy and will not distribute your personal information except as necessary to resolve your request or complaint. However, you should be aware that this information is subject to the Washington State public disclosure laws and may be disclosed upon request.

The primary investigator will be your point of contact during the investigative process and is available to you for any questions you may have. At the conclusion of the investigation, you will be notified of the findings in writing. These findings must fall within five categories as defined below:

• Unfounded - The incident, or incidents, did not occur or the accused employee was not involved.
• Exonerated - The incident occurred, however, the employee's actions were justified, lawful, and proper.
• Non-Sustained
  • Cleared: There is sufficient evidence to prove the allegation is false or it is not supported by the facts.
  • Inconclusive: There is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation.
  • The investigation revealed that the employee committed a violation(s) other than the original allegations(s). A new allegation would be alleged and a finding made.
• Sustained - The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to indicate that the employee committed one or more of the alleged acts.
• Undetermined - This may involve, but is not limited to, the following:
  • The Complainant withdraws the complaint;
  • The Complainant cannot be located;
  • The Complainant is uncooperative;
  • The accused member separates from the Office before the conclusion of the investigation.