A system for handling and investigating all complaints and allegations is essential to establishing and maintaining the confidence of the citizens of Lafayette Parish. The system is designed to protect the integrity of the agency and protect the public from inappropriate behavior by Lafayette Parish Sheriff's employees.
It is the policy of the Lafayette Parish Sheriffs' Office to conduct fair and impartial investigations of all complaints. This office is committed to assuring the highest integrity and standards of professionalism and employee behavior. Internal Affairs is responsible for the thorough, expeditious, and impartial investigation of all complaints or cases involving the integrity of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office.
All complaints against the Office and its employees will be documented and investigated. This includes anonymous complaints.
Every effort shall be made to facilitate the convenient, courteous, and prompt processing of citizen complaints. All Sheriff's Office employees are charged with the responsibility of courteously receiving all complaints that may be lodged against the Office or any employee, regardless of nature. Complaints registered in person may be made at the Sheriff's Office at 316 West Main Street or by calling (337) 232-9211 any time.
When filing a complaint, it is important that the reporter remembers the name of the deputy or employee (if known), the date and time of the incident, the names of any available witnesses, and the details or circumstances of the incident.
If the complaint is made in person, an Allegation of Employee Misconduct Form may need to be completed. This is especially important when the complaint involves allegations of serious misconduct. A written record of the complaint will be made if received by mail or telephone. In both cases, a copy of the Complaint Receipt Form will be issued to the reporter.
Following the assignment of the control number, Internal Affairs will send a letter notifying the reporter of the receipt of the complaint, the investigative contact person, and the anticipated date of completion.
Whenever practical, supervisors take corrective action to resolve complaints which result from misunderstanding, or need no investigation to resolve. In this instance, the results and findings will be forwarded to Internal Affairs. If a supervisor does not satisfactorily resolve such a complaint, it will be forwarded to Internal Affairs for investigation.
Completed Investigations
Investigations are generally completed within thirty days of receiving a complaint but may take up to sixty days. The employee's chain of command, division head, and the Director of Human Resources review completed investigations of serious misconduct.
In cases where misconduct occurred, disciplinary action will follow. Depending on the findings and the seriousness of the misconduct, the range of possible discipline includes counseling, remedial training, written reprimand, suspension without pay, demotion in rank and pay, or termination of employment.
Complainants are notified in writing and an investigation follows.
Contact Internal Affairs
The Internal Affairs Office 200 Dulles Drive Lafayette, LA 70501
