How to Compliment an Employee
The Kane County Sheriff's department is committed to providing the citizens of Kane County with the highest possible level of service and professionalism. There are times when the men and women employed by the Sheriff go above and beyond the call to duty and we want to hear about those things. We encourage citizens to tell us the good things that our employees are doing. If you would like to commend an employee please provide us with the following information.
You may also call a department supervisor or mail compliments directly
to the Sheriff's Department.
37W735 IL Route 38, Ste. A, St. Charles, IL 60175-7557
(630) 232-6840
It is the nature of law enforcement to place public safety /correctional personnel in hazardous and high stress situations. Sheriff Perez believes it is important to recognize employees of the Kane County Sheriff's Department when they go above and beyond the call for duty. When employees have demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication to duty they are eligible to receive one of the following departmental awards:
- The Medal of Valor is awarded for a distinguished act of bravery in the line of duty, normally involving a substantial risk to life and limb of the nominee, or other actions considered above and beyond the call of duty.
- The Medal of Courage is awarded for a highly unusual accomplishment, usually with some degree of hazard to life and limb of the nominee, or where death or injury to a third party is prevented.
- The Life Saving Bar is awarded for an act performed in the line of duty which, through disregard of personal safety or prompt and alert action, results in the saving of a human life.
- The Meritorious Service Bar shall be awarded for achievement or service resulting from unusual alertness, initiative, proficiency, and/or attention to duty.
- The Leadership Bar is awarded to Department members from the rank of Sergeant or above for dedication to duty and outstanding performance. The Department member will have demonstrated superior command abilities and leadership.
- Letter of recognition or commendation is the most basic means by which the Sheriff of Kane County may officially cite a Sheriff's Department member for excellence in the performance of duty and/or to officially thank a Sheriff's Department member for exceptional attention to duty.
Our Complaint Policy
Sheriff Perez recognizes that there will be times when a citizen feels a member of the Kane County Sheriff's Department has not lived up to the standards of service and professionalism set forth by the department. When a citizen feels that a member of the department has not acted in a professional manner he/she should file a complaint with the department. Receiving and processing complaints helps the Kane County Sheriff's Department ensure its members are acting in a professional manner and ensuring fair treatment of citizens. All complaints will be investigated with objectivity, fairness and honesty.
In all aspects of the internal investigation, the rights of the community, its citizens, and of the employee under investigation will be fully preserved. All investigations will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner. The primary objective of this review process will be to determine facts that will either support or disprove the allegations.
Any citizen who has witnessed what they believe is an act of misconduct by a member of the Department may file a complaint with the Kane County Sheriff's Department. Complaints can be made by contacting any on duty supervisor at (630) 232-6840.
Responsibility of Complainants
Complaints made against members of the Kane County Sheriff's Department are taken very seriously. The Sheriff's Department will actively investigate allegations into employee misconduct. For this reason persons making complaints need to ensure these complaints are based on fact and are not filed in an attempt to slander an employee or subject an employee to an unjustified investigation. Any false report can result in criminal charges or a civil suit brought by the affected employee.
Who Investigates the Complaint?
For minor complaints the employee's supervisor may look into the complaint. For major complaints the Office of Professional Standards will investigate the complaint. Members of the Office of Professional standards report directly to the Sheriff and Undersheriff of Kane County.
What is the Complaint Procedure?
Any department member can field a complaint but generally you will be directed to speak with an on duty supervisor. The supervisor fielding the complaint will determine the seriousness of the complaint. In the event of a minor complaint the supervisor may handle the situation himself. In the case of a major complaint the supervisor will:
- Record the name, date of birth, address, and home and work phone numbers of the complainant and witnesses; how the complaint was received; and other information pertinent to the complaint. This information and the specific details will be recorded in writing on a, "Personnel Complaint Form." Generally, no personnel complaints will be accepted from an intoxicated or otherwise impaired complainant.
- Provide the complainant with a complaint form and encourage the complainant to write a statement detailing the incident. In the event that a complainant wishes to take a complaint form with him the supervisor will provide a form, and instructions on how to return the form.
Public Act 93-0529, revised January 2004, of the Sate of Illinois, Section 5(b). Anyone filing a complaint against a sworn peace officer must have the complaint supported by a sworn affidavit. State law requires complaints to be based on a sworn notarized affidavit.
Will the employee be told about the complaint?
Yes. Just as you are notified of receipt of the complaint the employee will normally be told of the complaint as well. As part of the investigation process it is necessary to interview the employee and in fairness to the employee, is appropriate to inform them who their accusers are.
What types of findings can come out of an internal investigation?
Upon the completion of the investigation, a final report will be made to the Undersheriff and will detail the findings of the investigation. The categories are listed below.
- UNFOUNDED - Allegation is false or not factual.
- EXONERATED - Incident occurred, but was lawful and proper.
- NOT SUSTAINED - Insufficient evidence either to prove or disprove.
- SUSTAINED - Allegations supported by the investigation
- POLICY PROCEDURE FAILURE - Denoted that the alleged act did occur, however, the officer was acting in accordance with established Department policy and procedure that had a weakness regarding the specifics of the case, or there was a lack of policy regarding the specifics of the case.
Will anything happen to the employee?
This depends on what the investigation reveals. If the complaint is sustained the employee will be disciplined in accordance with department policies and procedures. The employee may also be subject to additional training. In the event that information is obtained that an employee is involved in a criminal act the information will be forwarded to the States' Attorney's Office for review and possible issuance of criminal charges.
What Will You Be Told?
You will be advised of the findings and the conclusion by the Office of Professional Standards but due to City, state, and federal personnel laws that govern an employee's privacy rights you will not be told directly of any disciplinary or corrective action taken against individual employees.
What do I do if I believe that I am being harassed as a result of filling a complaint?
We expect our employees to act in a professional and impartial manner in all their dealings but in the event you believe that you are being retaliated against because of filling a complaint contact the Office of Professional Standards immediately.