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Office of Professional Standards

The Office of Professional Standards is charged with the responsibility of maintaining the high standards and integrity of the Department. This function is frequently called "Internal Affairs" in other departments. They conduct internal investigations, staff inspections, and do research to achieve these goals. The OPS Division is also charged with the task of recruitment and the background investigations of all police applicants.

The unit may also conduct special studies and/or investigations as directed by the Chief of Police.  All complaints of misconduct are maintained and tracked within the unit. 

How to File A Complaint

It is the policy of the Temple Police Department to foster confidence from the citizens of Temple and maintain high professional standards. Our Department investigates all complaints against both sworn and civilian employees. Any investigation or hearing arising from a complaint will be fairly conducted with truth as the primary objective.

Steps to Register a Complaint

1. Obtain the name of the officer(s) involved in the incident.  
2. Contact the Police Department and ask for that officer's supervisor. If the complaint is against the supervisor, you may ask for the Chief of Police.
3. Citizens may contact the office of the Chief of Police directly, if they desire to do so, by calling (770) 562-3151.
4. Complaints may also be registered in writing, as well as, anonymously. However, anonymous complaints are difficult to investigate.
5. Information pertaining to the incident, including any witnesses' names, should be given to the Police Department representative at the time of the complaint.
6. All incidents will be investigated thoroughly and citizens will be notified of all appropriate information relevant to the complaint at the conclusion of the investigation.

Click here to go to the Complaint/Commendation page

Complaint Outcome Classifications

After the complaint has been thoroughly investigated, the file will be submitted to the Chief of Police for review. All investigations of Departmental employees accused of misconduct will conclude with one of the following classifications being assigned to the complaint:

• SUSTAINED - The investigation's findings reveal sufficient evidence to prove the allegations.
• NOT SUSTAINED - The investigation's findings reveal insufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the complaint.
• EXONERATED - The investigation's findings reveal the acts did occur but were justified, lawful and proper.
• UNFOUNDED - The investigation's findings reveal that the acts in the complaint did not occur or did not involve Departmental employees
• POLICY FAILURE - The investigation revealed the acts in the complaint did occur but were based on existing policy. Responsibility for the acts resides within Departmental policy and not the employee.
• ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION - The complainant failed to cooperate with the investigation and there is insufficient evidence to draw a conclusion and apply a finding.

The complainant will be advised of the outcome of the investigation. Any discipline as a result of a complaint may include the following: counseling, oral reprimand, remedial training, written reprimand, disciplinary probation, suspension , and demotion or dismissal. Disciplinary actions are personnel matters and are not normally publicly disclosed.

While encouraging the filing of legitimate complaints against employees as means by which they can be held accountable to the public, this department simultaneously seeks to hold members of the public responsible for the filing of false and malicious allegations against police employees. In these latter cases, the complainant will be informed that legal action may be taken against them.

How to File A Commendation

Officers of the Temple Police Department strive to provide the best possible law enforcement services available. If you have encountered an officer whom you wish to commend for outstanding performance in the line of duty your comments are welcome and appreciated. Commendations for officers may be mailed to the Temple Police Department. If possible, list the date and time of the incident, the location of the incident, the officer(s) involved and any additional information you wish to share. Commendations will be disseminated through the Chain of Command to the officer for which the commendation is directed and will be made a part of the officer's personnel file.

For more information contact:

Office of Professional Standards
261 W. Johnson Street
Temple, Georgia 30179

(770) 562-3151