HPISD Police Policies

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The District Police Department is dedicated to providing the best police service possible to all who attend, work for, or visit Highland Park ISD schools. Employees, both sworn officers and civilian personnel, are carefully selected and given the best training possible in order to provide this service. However, you may have occasion to lodge a complaint about the actions of a member of the District Police Department. In order to be responsive to you, we are providing the following information about how complaints are investigated and their results.

I. HOW ARE COMPLAINTS SUBMITTED

When a citizen lodges a compliment or complaint against a member of the District Police Department, the complaint goes to the Chief’s Office located at 4220 Emerson Ave., Suite NW007, Dallas, Texas 75205. All compliments and complaints are reviewed by the Chief of Police, and that office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each weekday.

If the Chief of Police is not available, you may submit your compliment or complaint to any supervisor of the Police Department. Your compliment or complaint will be forwarded to the Chief’s Office.

Texas State Law (Section 614.022 of the Government Code, V.T.C.A.) requires that all complaints against a police officer must be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. Complaints must be made by the person who claims to be aggrieved. Other persons may provide statements as witnesses.

A thorough investigation regarding your complaint will be conducted, and you will be notified of the result and any action taken.

II. FALSE COMPLAINTS

Making a false complaint against a police officer is a violation of the Texas Penal Code. Section 37.02 provides penalties for knowingly making false statements under oath.

III. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A COMPLAINT IS FOUND TO BE TRUE

When an investigation reveals that a complaint is sustained against an employee, the Chief of Police may take one of the following actions depending on the nature of the violation:
1. Reprimand the employee
2. Suspend the employee without pay
3. Demote the employee
4. Discharge the employee

IV. EMPLOYEE CAN APPEAL THE DECISION

Employees are afforded certain rights by law and may appeal disciplinary actions through established HPISD procedures.

V. WHAT IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation, you may appeal to:
1. The Office of the Chief of Police
2. The Office of the Superintendent of Schools
3. The Office of the County Attorney
4. The Office of the District Attorney
5. The Dallas Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, if civil rights charges are to be filed

The District Police Department is committed to protecting the welfare of all students, staff, faculty, and visitors through fair and thorough investigations. If you have occasion to see a police officer doing outstanding work, we encourage you to share that as well.