Police Officers are entrusted by the public to serve with great authority, to enforce the rules of society, and to maintain order within the community.  Members of the Albemarle County Police Department make every effort to perform their duties in a competent, courteous, and professional manner. Frequently, many of our employees exceed the expectations of the public in the performance of their duties. If you have observed an employee performing in such an exemplary manner, we encourage you to let us know about it.

The responsibility for internal quality control is a very serious one that is shared by all members of the organization.  Questions of inappropriate action and misconduct must be faced, examined, and dealt with effectively.  Under the chief's direction, the Office of Professional Standards is responsible for overseeing all citizen complaints, tracking, and maintaining files. 

All complaints against department members will be investigated thoroughly and objectively to protect both the citizens and police department members. Citizens are encouraged to report legitimate concerns or complaints; however, the intentional filing of a false complaint could result in legal action against the complainant.

How are officers held accountable after a use of force incident?

• Report the incident to an on-duty police supervisor.
  Police supervisors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To request to speak with a police supervisor,  call 434-977-9041.
• Report the incident directly to the Office of Professional Standards.
  To make a commendation directly to the Office of Professional Standards, call 434-296-5807, Monday through Friday during normal business hours to schedule an appointment.
• Complete the commendation/complaint form here. 

• Report the incident to an on-duty police supervisor.
  Police supervisors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To request to speak with a police supervisor regarding an allegation of misconduct, call 434-977-9041.
• Report the incident directly to the Office of Professional Standards.
  To make a complaint directly to the Office of Professional Standards, call 434-296-5807, Monday through Friday during normal business hours to schedule an appointment.
• Complete the commendation/complaint form here.

After the complaint is submitted and investigated, a letter acknowledging the receipt of the complaint and the disposition of the investigation will be issued in a timely manner. Investigation of complaints will be conducted with the strictest confidentiality, keeping in mind the rights, concerns, and privacy of all parties involved.