File a Complaint

CONSTABLE EMPLOYEE COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The Tarrant County Constable's Office Precinct 7 is dedicated to providing exceptional service to its employees and citizens through a problem-solving approach and a commitment to excellence in the delivery of services. The constable's employees are held to the highest standards and provided with the best training available.
 

WHEN YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO FILE A COMPLAINT
Unfortunately, not every contact with our deputies or employees is always totally satisfactory, and a complaint may need to be made. Upon the receipt of a complaint, in most cases a written complaint, but with some exceptions upon a verbal complaint, an internal investigation may then be initiated. The purpose of the internal investigation is the pursuit of the truth. We are committed to that objective, recognizing that our agency's credibility depends upon the community's belief that we can police ourselves. With that in mind, we provide the following information regarding how you can file a complaint, how a complaint is investigated, and how it is disposed of.
 

HOW TO FILE COMPLAINTS
First, there are basically two types of complaints -- verbal and written. Verbal complaints are usually more minor in nature or the complainant does not desire to have the officer disciplined, but rather talked to about how they felt about their interaction. Written complaints are more formalized and usually involve a more serious complaint. If you wish to make this office aware of a problem and make a complaint without a formal investigation you may go to the Contact Us portion of this website, fill out and submit the form. If you wish to file a more serious complaint (written), we will provide you with the proper complaint form or you can complete the below listed form. The complaining person will be required to fill out a form and return it to this department, in person, and sign the form in the presence of a Notary (We have a Notary at the Constable's Office). You may be required to supply additional information.

You may call Constable Sandra Lee if you wish, by calling the numbers listed below. Please understand that the constable may decide not to get involved in written complaint so that he can remain fair and impartial. The chief deputy will conduct all portions of the investigation of written complaints and submit the documents to the constable.

Once the complaint is received by this office, the complaint will be logged into the internal affairs log, assigned to the chief deputy to investigate, and an acknowledgment letter will be sent to you. Normally, cases have a three-week process and you will be informed as to the outcome of the investigation, in writing.

The constable has established a Citizen Review Board (CRB) to investigate complaints involving citizens and deputies of this office. The CRB will review all documents, statements and reports. Their decision will be turned into the constable.
 

THE PROCESS

Once a complaint is received, the officer/employee is notified in writing, provided a copy of the complaint (excluding personal information as determined by the constable), and required to provide a written response to the allegations, stating all facts and circumstances of the contact.

The complainant will  be called in for a complete statement, and may be required to take polygraph. The officer may also be required to take polygraph if the case warrants, only after complainant is requested to take a polygraph, and makes a good faith effort to take one.

The Citizen Review Board will review all documents and submit a report to the constable.

The constable will conduct a final evaluation and notify the complainant of the action(s) taken.

POLYGRAPHS
During the course of the investigation, you may be requested to submit to a polygraph. Your submission to the polygraph is totally voluntary, However, an officer cannot be required to take a polygraph unless the complainant is willing to do so.
 

SUBSTANTIATED COMPLAINTS
When the investigation reveals that the charges are true, and depending on the severity of the infraction, the department may take any of the following actions on the involved employee:

1. Oral counseling
2. Written counseling
3. Written reprimand
4. Suspension (without pay, up to 15 days)
5. Suspension (without pay, up to 45 days in lieu of firing)
6. Indefinite suspension (termination)

According to Tarrant County Civil Service Rules, a deputy or employee has the right to appeal any level of discipline that falls above written reprimand.
 

COMPLAINT NOT SUSTAINED
If there is not sufficient evidence to support the allegation or it is proved that the officer or employee was acting within the established and accepted policies and/or procedures of the department, the investigation will be closed and no further action taken.
 

FALSE COMPLAINTS
Rarely, citizens will file a false complaint against police employees. Citizens should be aware that this is a violation of the Texas Penal Code and, if found guilty, is punishable by a fine of $4,000 and or up to one year in jail.

Constable Sandra Lee is sincerely interested in the welfare of all citizens and in taking action where its employees have acted or behaved in violation of the policies, procedures and practices of this department. If it becomes necessary for you to make a complaint, you can be assured that it will be given a fair and thorough investigation.

By the same token, if you have an occasion to see deputies doing outstanding work, we encourage you to tell them and/or us about it. This office is comprised of professionals dedicated to serving you and our community.
 

ADDRESS:
Attn: Constable Sandra Lee
Tarrant County Constable's Office Precinct 7
1100 E. Broad St
Mansfield, Texas 76063
Administration: 817-473-5110