The mission of the North Little Rock Police Department is to provide a safe and orderly environment in the City through professionalism and dedication while building and maintaining an active partnership with the community we serve. The men and women of the North Little Rock Police Department understand our greatest resource and asset is the support and assistance that is given by our community. This "partnership" between our citizens and the Police Department is something we must constantly strive to protect, and it is a responsibility which is shared by every member of the Department.

The mission of the Professional Standards Unit, led by Lt. Jay Kovach and assisted by Sgt. Robert Griffin, is to protect the public trust and to maintain the integrity of the North Little Rock Police Department. It is the policy of the Professional Standards Unit to conduct thorough, fair and objective investigations.

What does the Professional Standards Unit do?

The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for the investigation of all allegations or complaints from citizens of misconduct involving members of the Department such as unnecessary or excessive use of force, allegations of criminal misconduct and false arrest. They also investigate all allegations of racial profiling or biased based policing.

In addition to receiving, processing, and investigating all external citizen complaints, the Professional Standards Unit handles all internal misconduct complaints such as sexual harassment and hostile work environments.

The Professional Standards Unit reviews all instances in which the use of force was involved regardless if a complaint was filed or not. They also respond to all instances in which an officer discharges his or her firearm, or other serious incidents, in order to conduct an investigation and determine if the actions are in accordance with Department policy.

The unit also maintains all applicable statistical data for department members and continually analyzes this information in effort to identify policing trends. Once a trend has been identified, the unit makes recommendations to the Chief of Police for corrective action. The Professional Standards Unit always reports directly to the Chief of Police.

 

How do I file a complaint or how do I notify the department of exceptional service?

Complaints or compliments can be made in person, via telephone, fax, e-mail, or the online Citizen Communication form. Complaints or compliments can be made at the NLRPD headquarters or any substation or to any police supervisor. All you have to do is relate the facts of the incident to the investigator without adding to it or embellishing what happened. You will be treated professionally and courteously. If you file a complaint, you will receive a copy of your complaint as a receipt of record. After the complaint is investigated, you will be advised of the disposition by letter. The North Little Rock Police Department values the input of the citizens we serve.

What happens after I make a complaint?

All complaints received about member misconduct will be thoroughly examined by the Professional Standards Unit. Complaints of discourtesy or poor service are usually investigated by the officer's immediate supervisor and forwarded to Professional Standards for review. The complaint and investigation are then forwarded to the Chief of Police for review and final recommendation. The complaint is then given one of five dispositions:

1. No Misconduct Established- There is insufficient evidence to confirm or refute the complaint.
2. Sustained- The allegation is true and the actions of our employee was inconsisitent with the Department's policies and procedures.
3. Exonerated- The allegation is true and the action of our employee was consistent with the Department's policies and procedures.
4. Unfounded- The allegation is either false or there is no credible evidence to support it.
5. Withdrawn- The allegation is withdrawn by the complainant.

All decisions involving disciplinary action will be made by the Chief of Police. Complaints involving a possible criminal violation and those involving deadly use of Force are forwarded to the Sixth Division Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review.

Is there any risk to me when I make a complaint?

Absolutely not. You will not be subjected to intimidation or any other improper behavior. However, if you intentionally make a false compaint against an officer or employee, you may be prosecuted criminally and/or held civilly liable.

Do police officers have rights when an allegation is made against them?

Yes they do. Police officers are protected by the Police Officer's Bill of Rights, which provides that they shall not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats from supervisors or unreasonable periods of interrogation. They have a right to have counsel or a witness during the investigation.