The Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training agency maintains strict administrative authority over peace officer and dispatcher certifications, limiting its investigative scope to specific misconduct defined under Utah Code Ann. 53-6-211(1) and 53-6-309(1). According to agency guidelines, POST does not investigate allegations of unprofessional behavior that fall outside these specific legal statutes, nor does it handle criminal or civil rights complaints.
Agency Complaint Procedures
For matters involving violations of agency policy or alleged illicit misconduct, the Peace Officer Standards and Training agency directs individuals to file complaints with the employing agency, such as a local police department, sheriff's office, or dispatch center. Most agencies maintain their own internal affairs or professional standards processes to handle such allegations.
Methods for Filing Complaints
When filing a complaint regarding certification-related conduct, the public may use an online intake form or submit a written complaint via mail to the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training office in Sandy. In-person complaints are permitted but are available by appointment only at the Salt Lake Community College Larry Miller Campus Public Safety and Education Training Center.
Documentation and Reporting
POST investigators are available by phone Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to report alleged misconduct if they believe the conduct was unlawful and pertains to a peace officer's certification. To ensure a thorough investigation, the agency advises that documentation must include specific details such as dates, times, locations, names, and evidence.
Legal Consequences of False Claims
The agency emphasizes that all complaints must be made in good faith, noting that false or exaggerated complaints can hinder the investigative process. Under Utah Code Ann. 76-8-504.5, knowingly making false accusations to discredit an officer or dispatcher is a Class A misdemeanor.
