Exceeding Expectations
Professional Standards “Integrity Above All” This is the motto of the Owatonna Police Department and the department works diligently to uphold that motto. The primary responsibility of the Professional Standards is to ensure the integrity of the Owatonna Police Department. Professional Standards also monitors the relationship between the community and the Department and strives to create mutual trust. It serves as a method of internal accountability by receiving, processing and investigating complaints concerning police conduct. These complaints may allege violations of criminal law or department policy or officer performance and may originate from outside sources or from within the department. The goal of the Professional Standards is to ensure the integrity of the Owatonna Police Department is maintained through an internal system in which objectivity, fairness and justice are guaranteed by an impartial investigation and review of complaints made against any of our employees, policies or procedures. Professional Standards have been established to ensure police always act with professionalism and integrity in everything they do. In the circumstance a complaint against officers is received, an internal affairs investigation is initiated to determine if disciplinary action is necessary. If criminal wrongdoing is alleged, the Owatonna Police Department often requests an outside agency complete the criminal investigation. In 2008, there were no allegations of criminal conduct brought against an officer with the Owatonna Police Department. In 2008, there were 26 internal investigatory actions taken which resulted in four disciplinary actions. Disciplinary actions can include verbal and written warnings, suspensions and termination. The remaining investigatory actions were classified as Performance Matters. Performance Matters are not classified as discipline as they generally result from a minor policy infraction and are likely to be resolved by training and counseling if there is no known pattern of similar conduct with the employee and there is no evidence of bad faith or intent to do wrong.
2008 Internal Investigations Actions Unacceptable Perfomance, 2 Vehicle Operations, 2
Performance Matter, 22
Owatonna Police Department – 2008 Annual Report
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