Procedure for Filing Compliments or Complaints

Professional Standards

Procedure for filing compliments to or complaints against a Lebanon Police Department employee. The Professional Standards Bureau is operated under the direction of Captain Timothy Cohen who can be reached at 603-448-1212.

Commending a Lebanon Police Department Employee

The best way to commend the actions of a Police Department employee is to write a brief letter describing the incident and the actions you think were exceptional. Information such as the date, time, and location will help identify the employee if you do not know his/her name.

If you choose not to write, you may ask to speak to the employee’s supervisor and make a verbal commendation. Commendations received by the Lebanon Police Department are forwarded to the employee with a copy placed in his/her personnel file.

Although our employees do not expect to be thanked for everything they do, recognition of exceptional services is always welcomed. This kind of feedback helps us know if we are doing a good job.

Filing a Complaint Against a Lebanon Police Department Employee

Complaints will be accepted from any source, whether made in person (36 Poverty Lane, Lebanon), by mail, or over the phone (603-448-1212) and ask to speak with the Officer In Charge. You may also submit a complaint via e-mail to police@LebanonNH.gov. The Professional Standards Bureau, when it becomes aware of complaints or allegations against a department member, may conduct an independent investigation or may refer the complaint.

You may also submit your complaint online utilizing our online complaint form. Simply click on the link or visit LebanonNH.gov/ComplaintForm. If you do not feel comfortable reporting your complaint to the Lebanon Police Department, you may report your complaint directly to the City Manager’s Office by calling 603-448-4220 or emailing manager@lebanonnh.gov. The City Manager will accept your complaint and take appropriate action.

The average case takes 30 to 90 days to complete. This would depend on the complexity of the case and the availability of witnesses. Once the investigation is concluded, the Chief of Police will notify you by mail of the findings.

The final disposition of complaint cases may be any of the following:

  1. Sustained: The allegation is substantiated.
  2. Unfounded: The allegation is false or not factual.
  3. Exonerated: The incident occurred, but the member/employee acted lawfully, properly, and in accordance with procedure.
  4. Not Sustained: The allegation is not substantiated. No sufficient evidence was uncovered to prove or disprove the allegation.
  5. Misconduct Not Based on Complaint (Sustained): Substantiated misconduct which was not based or alleged in the initial report.