Compliments / Complaints

Serving the public is very important to us and we want to know how we’re doing!

To make a compliment about an employee, you may email Police Chief Layton. 

Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey for general comments. 

For comments, questions, or concerns about traffic issues, email Sergeant Worley. 

Filing a Complaint

Your Complaint is Important:

The Fredericksburg Police Department is committed to the prompt and fair resolution of complaints concerning the actions and performance of our personnel. As an organization, we strive to provide the highest level of law enforcement service to all citizens. Policing is a difficult and complex job in today’s society. We realize mistakes can be made and the actions of our personnel may at times fall short of your expectations.

The employees of the Fredericksburg Police Department are aware of the important responsibilities and duties they have as public servants. The Department operates under the constitutional guarantees afforded to everyone and under the laws that govern us. Therefore, the courteous receipt of complaints, thorough and impartial investigations and just dispositions are important in maintaining the confidence of our citizens.

Understanding the Process:

A complaint may be made in the following ways:

  • Visit Police Headquarters located at 2200 Cowan Boulevard or over the phone by calling 540-373-3122. Ask to speak with a supervisor.
  • Contact the Office of Accreditation and Professional Standards at 540-654-5768 or via email.
  • Write a letter to the Chief of Police at 2200 Cowan Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 or contact the Chief by email.
  • Complete a Citizen Complaint Form (PDF). Upon completion, e-mail the form to Lieutenant Lynch or turn it in at Police Headquarters.

A supervisor or professional standards investigator will be assigned to investigate the complaint and will meet with you at a location where you feel comfortable, if necessary. If available, the following information will assist in our investigation:

  • Date, time, and location of incident
  • Names of the employees involved
  • Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses

After the Complaint is Made: 

A record of your complaint will be forwarded to the Office of Accreditation and Professional Standards for evaluation and assignment. Allegations of criminal wrongdoing against an employee are typically investigated by the Detective Division or by an outside agency prior to the initiation of an administrative investigation.

You will be notified in writing that your complaint was received, and you may be asked to talk to the supervisor or investigator assigned to conduct the investigation.

The Interview: 

A supervisor or professional standards investigator will discuss the complaint with you. The assigned supervisor or investigator will take your information and ensure that the complaint is considered by the appropriate personnel.

Length of the Process: 

Professional standards investigations are expected to be completed within 30 days of the assignment to an investigator, except when an extension is granted due to extenuating circumstances.

After the Investigation: All completed investigations are forwarded to the Chief of Police for disposition.

Disposition of the Investigation: 

The following terminology is used when resolving complaints:

  • Sustained - Evidence sufficient to prove allegations
  • Not sustained - Insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove allegations
  • Exonerated - Incident occurred but was lawful and/or within department policy
  • Unfounded - Allegation is false or not factual or the employee was not involved
  • Policy Review - The complaint is regarding the actions of an employee who was following Departmental policy

Notification: 

You will be notified in writing by the Chief of Police regarding the final disposition of the investigation. After the Chief of Police reaches the final disposition, appropriate action will be taken if necessary, based upon the finding. Any actions taken regarding Department personnel are confidential and are not released to the complainant.

For additional information and statistics regarding complaints against the Police Department, please contact Lieutenant Lynch via e-mail of the Accreditation and Professional Standards Office.