Patrol Policy and Responsibilities
Certain responsibilities and authority have been granted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol by the citizens of Missouri. The Patrol recognizes its responsibility to maintain public confidence and trust, and the need to ensure integrity and accountability both by the agency and by each employee.
Specific complaint procedures have been adopted to ensure fair and proper action when an employee is accused of misconduct. This also protects employees from unwarranted or false accusations and provides a means of identifying and correcting deficiencies in policies, procedures, or training.
Complaint Procedures
Who May Make a Complaint?
Any citizen or Patrol employee may file a complaint. The person most directly affected should be the complainant, but third party complaints will be investigated as well.
Can I Make a Complaint Anonymously?
Anonymous complaints are investigated; however, investigations are less likely to reveal all the facts when the investigator cannot contact the complainant. We strongly encourage persons to sign the complaint form and cooperate with the investigator.
How Should Complaints Be Made?
Complaints may be submitted online via the MSHP website under "Commendations and Complaints." You may also email psdmail@mshp.dps.mo.gov, write to Professional Standards Division, P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or call 573-751-8801.
Complaints should concisely describe the conduct, identify the employee (name, badge number, vehicle license), and include date, time, location, and witness information.
To Whom Should Complaints Be Submitted?
All Patrol employees are required to accept complaints. Complaints can be made at any local troop, service center, General Headquarters, online, or by email. All complaints are forwarded to the Professional Standards Division.
Does Making a Complaint Affect Charges Against Me?
The investigation focuses on employee conduct. Any charges against the complainant are a separate issue. Employees are prohibited from retaliating against anyone for filing a complaint.
Keep in Mind
The focus is on alleged misconduct by a Patrol employee. A disagreement with a policy or law is not considered a complaint.
The Investigative Process
Every complaint of misconduct will be investigated. The Professional Standards Division will conduct a preliminary inquiry, contact the complainant and witnesses, review reports and records, and document the facts.
In instances where a formal investigation is initiated, investigators will present results to the superintendent who will administer discipline to address any substantiated misconduct. The complainant will be notified of the classification.
Resolved Complaints
Some complaints may be resolved at the time they are received, such as when an explanation of the law addresses the concern. Such allegations will still be formally documented and retained.
Withdrawing a Complaint
If an individual wishes to withdraw a complaint, the reasoning will be documented and the Professional Standards Division director will determine whether to continue the investigation.
Questions
Missouri State Highway Patrol, Professional Standards Division
P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-8801 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday)
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov
Emergency: 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55