Deputies and Jailers must be free to exercise their best judgment and initiate proper action in a reasonable, lawful, impartial manner, without fear of reprisal. At the same time, they must observe the rights of all people. The complaint process and appropriate disciplinary procedures not only subject agency members to corrective action when they conduct themselves improperly, the guidelines also protect them from unwarranted criticism when they discharge their duties properly.

A disagreement over the validity of a lawful arrest, civil paper service, or traffic citation is not a complaint. Such disagreements should be directed to the appropriate court that has jurisdiction in the matter.

The Sheriff’s Office realizes that confusion, different perceptions, or the timeliness of information sometimes will result in descriptions that produce different versions of the same incident. Beyond legitimate error, however, the deliberate making of a report that the complainant knows to be false or misleading could constitute a violation of State Law.

Requirement for making Complaint Against a Law Enforcement Officer or Firefighter

PENAL CODE

Sec. 37.02 PERJURY.
(a) A person commits an offense, if with intent to deceive and with knowledge of the statement's meaning:
(1) he makes a false statement under oath or swears to the truth of a false statement previously made and the statement is required or authorized by law to be made under oath; or
(2) he makes a false sworn declaration under Chapter 132, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class "A" Misdemeanor.

Sec. 37.03. AGGRAVATED PERJURY.
(a) A person commits an offense if he commits perjury as defined in Section 37.02. and the false statement:
(1) is made during or in connection with an official proceeding; and
(2) is material.
(b) An offense under this section is a Felony of the Third Degree.

TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE

Sec. 614.022. COMPLAINT TO BE IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY COMPLAINANT.
To be considered by the head of a state agency or by the head of a fire or police department, the complaint must be:
(1) in writing, and
(2) signed by the person making the complaint.

Sec. 614.023. COPY OF COMPLAINT TO BE GIVEN TO OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE.
(a) A copy of a signed complaint against a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, or police
officer shall be given to the officer or employee within a reasonable time after the complaint is filed.
(b) Disciplinary action may not be taken against the officer or employee unless a copy of the signed complaint is given to the officer or employee.

Complaint Reporting Procedure

An NCSO Complaint Form can be downloaded here.

Fax complaint to or mail to the following address:

Nolan County Sheriff's Office

Sweetwater, Nolan County, Texas 79556