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Commendation and Complaint Procedures

UNC Police is sincerely interested in both rewarding above-average performance and in taking corrective action in those instances where an employee fails to meet our standards. In order for UNC Police to continue providing the highest quality service, the performance of its employees must be closely monitored.

The Chief of Police extends his “open door” policy to the Web. If you have a legitimate commendation or complaint, please fill out the Concerns and Commendations Form. Please note: to be able to verify the legitimacy of these messages, identification (including email address) will be required. Any messages sent that are not verifiable will be regarded as unfounded notification. Anonymous reports may be made by direct mailing or calling UNC Police, however be aware that anonymity will weaken the legitimacy of the report being filed.

UNC Police is proud to provide modern, quality law enforcement services to the students, faculty, staff and its visitors.

  1. To commend or compliment the performance of a UNC Police employee, notify the Operations Commander, a Squad Supervisor, or an Investigator:
    1. by coming in person to UNC Police located in the Public Safety Building on Manning Drive during the business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    2. by calling UNC Police’s non-emergency number of 919-962-8100
    3. by mailing comments to:
      The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
      UNC Police
      The Public Safety Building
      CB# 1600
      Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1600
  2. When a commendation is received verbally, a UNC Department Awards Application will be completed and forwarded through the chain of command to the Chief of Police.
  3. Letter of Commendation from citizens are posted for all departments employees to view. The police department and its employees appreciate the effort and consideration of concern citizens who take the time to commend employee performance

It is the policy of UNC Police to investigate all allegations and complaints of misconduct against any member of the Department. Proper adherence to the provisions of this policy will clear the innocent and facilitate prompt and equitable corrective disciplinary action.

  1. It is the policy of UNC Police to investigate all allegations and complaints of misconduct against any member of the Department. Proper adherence to the provisions of this policy will clear the innocent and facilitate prompt and equitable corrective disciplinary action.
  2. A complaint against a UNC Police employee may be made to any supervisor within the Department by writing, by email, by telephone, or by coming to the UNC Police located in the Public Safety Building.
  3. The Department representative receiving the complaint will fill out a Department Complaint Report and promptly forward it to the Professional Standards Commander or his/her designee for determination of the complaint type and assignment for investigation.
  4. Citizen complaints that allege criminal violations, corruption, excessive force, etc., are investigated by the Professional Standards Commander. Citizen complaints that involve non-criminal, routine disciplinary action may be referred to the Squad or Section Supervisor for investigation or processing pursuant to University Human Resource guidelines.
  5. A thorough investigative report will be completed and forwarded to the Chief of Police who will review the findings and make a final determination as to the action to be taken. Any disciplinary action taken against a member of the Department is confidential and will be kept confidential as required by state personnel law.
  6. The Director or his/her designee will notify the complainant of the disposition of an internal investigation.

The disposition of the complaints are classified as follows:

  • Unfounded – The incident did not occur or the employee investigated was not involved.
  • Not Sustained – There is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation.
  • Exonerated – The incident occurred but was lawful and proper.
  • Sustained – The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to indicate the allegation is true.
  • Withdrawn – The complainant withdraws the allegation before conclusion of the investigation or finding of fault.
  • Discontinued – Circumstances exist where the investigation can no longer be furthered on a member.
  • Policy Failure – The allegation is true. There is, however, no written policy governing the conduct in question or the written policy has not been enforced. The employee was not inconsistent with departmental policy. The Division should strive to be aware of changes in policies, procedures, rules and regulations that may prevent future allegations of misconduct, as well as the need to modify or expand training. Without compromising the integrity of any confidential information, the Professional Standards Commander shall notify the General Orders Administrator of the circumstances surrounding any findings of this type, so that any Departmental policy deficiency may be addressed.