Government > Departments > Police > Office of Professional Standards

Office of Professional Standards

Commander Ronald Matos

History

The Office of Professional Standards was first formed in July 1974, under the title of the Inspectional Services/Internal Affairs Unit. It consisted of one Sergeant and one Police Officer. Its responsibilities consisted of overall evaluation of the department and investigation of internal matters.

When reviewing the function of individual officers and units within the department to ensure their compliance with departmental procedures, the IS/IAU reported to a Captain who held the title of Assistant to the Chief.

When conducting investigations of an internal nature, the unit reported directly to the Chief of Police.In February 1975, the Inspectional Services/Internal Affairs Unit was absorbed into the newly created Administrative Services Bureau, with the added responsibility of assisting the Personnel and Training Unit in conducting performance evaluations within the department.

In January 1985, following an internal change within the department, the Inspectional Services/Internal Affairs Unit was removed from the command of the Administrative Services Bureau and made a separate unit. It was to report directly to the Chief of Police in its Internal Affairs role, but to the Deputy Chief when involved in Inspectional Services matters. A Detective Captain then headed the Inspectional Services/Internal Affairs Unit, and had two Detectives assigned.

The unit underwent several personnel and make-up changes throughout the years that followed, but its basic function and responsibilities remained constant. The performance evaluations were eventually dropped from its role.

In February 1996, the Internal Affairs/Inspectional Services Unit was assigned to a Commander, with three Detectives. Later that year, its name was changed to the Office of Professional Standards.
Currently, the Office of Professional Standards continues its dual role of internal investigations and inspectional services, with the renewed responsibility of assisting supervisory personnel with performance evaluations. A commander, with one Detective Sergeant heads the Office of Professional Standards and three Detectives are assigned. The unit reports directly to the Chief of Police.
The Office of Professional Standards is located at 200 Henry Johnson Boulevard, Albany. The office is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. The phone number is (518)-462-8017.

Complaint Procedures

Referrals to the Office of Professional Standards come from the Mayor’s Office, the Chief of Police, and the Citizens’ Police Review Board and Albany Police supervisors. Other referrals come from civic leaders, religious leaders, and Common Council members.

When a citizen files a complaint with the Office of Professional Standards, it can be handled in two basic ways. Each procedure calls for an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and a written account of the findings and results of the investigation.

Complaints are classified in two groups, depending on the nature of the complaint and desires of the complainant.

The police officer’s direct supervisor usually handles Supervisor’s Inquiries. This procedure is used for complaints such as rudeness or general service, when the complainant does not desire to lodge a formal complaint. The complaint is assigned to the officer’s direct supervisor, and the complainant is contacted usually in three to five days. The supervisor speaks with the complainant and officer(s) involved, and attempts to reconcile the differences. The supervisor may then discuss the service with the officer(s), monitor future performance and/or counsel the officer(s) regarding the issue. If the supervisor is unable to reconcile the complaint, or the complainant is not satisfied, the case is referred to the Office of Professional Standards for further action. The entire case is recorded on a Supervisor’s Inquiry Report and forwarded to the Office of Professional Standards to be filed. This procedure allows officers’ direct supervisors to monitor their actions more closely and have insight into behaviors and to take appropriate action immediately.

Complaints are investigated entirely by the members of the Office of Professional Standards. An investigation commences when a written complaint form arrives at the Office of Professional Standards and is assigned to a detective. A letter of receipt is sent to the complainant, acknowledging receipt of the complaint, and informing the complainant that an investigation has begun. The complainant is generally contacted for a personal interview, in order to clarify any issues, identify witnesses and obtain further documentation such as photos or medical records. If the complaint is the result of an arrest, the rights of the complainant (e.g. against self-incrimination) must be preserved. Additionally, the Office of Professional Standards may not, in any way, interfere with the complainant’s criminal case. Departmental records pertaining to the incident are reviewed, and written accounts of the incident are obtained from the officers. A search for independent witnesses, who have no affiliation to the officers or complainant, is conducted. A confidential report, containing the findings and any recommendations, is reviewed and forwarded to the Chief of Police. Recommendations can range from counseling to discipline, or policy and procedure review or change. The complainant is then notified by mail as to the findings of the investigation.

Members of the Office of Professional Standards attend meetings of the Citizen’s Police Review Board regularly. The Board is informed of the status and findings of on-going and closed investigations, and may inquire about the investigations or request further follow-up.

FAQs

Where can I go to file a complaint?

Complaint forms may be obtained at any Albany Police Station, as well as the Mayor’s Office in City Hall, the Department of Administrative Services in City Hall, The Urban League of Northeastern New York, Inc., Trinity Institute, The Albany Fire Department, The Albany Community Development Agency, Centro Civico Hispano Americano inc., as well as the Center for Law and Justice.

What information do I need to file a complaint?

When a complaint is made, it must be proven with credible evidence. The complaint should provide as much information as possible to assist in the investigation. Names of witnesses, addresses and phone numbers can be helpful and should be considered an important part of the complaint. Also, officers’ names, descriptions, or badge numbers should be included when possible. Dates, times, and incident numbers also aide in investigating complaints.

What if I need assistance in filling out the complaint form?

There is a space on the form to indicate who assisted in making the complaint if needed. You can also come to the Office of Professional Standards, 200 Henry Johnson Boulevard, between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday for assistance.

Who can make a complaint?

Anyone who feels that he or she has been the victim of or witness to inappropriate police behavior should file a complaint that will result in an investigation of the incident.

Can the Office of Professional Standards get my charges dropped?

No. The Office of Professional Standards does not interfere in on-going criminal or violation cases. We will investigate complaints of improper or false arrest but can not enter into any agreements regarding dismissal of charges.