Police

Who Can File

• Anyone can file, but the person directly involved should usually be the one to do it.
• Parents can file for minors.
• Anonymous complaints cannot be investigated (Texas law requires a written, signed complaint).

What to Include

Be clear and specific:

• What the employee said or did
• Tone of voice
• Any actions or behavior
• Officer’s name, badge number, vehicle number (if known)
• Date, time, and location
• Witness names/contact info (if available)

How Complaints Are Investigated

• Routine complaints → handled by the officer’s supervisor
• Serious complaints → handled by the Chief or a designee
• Complaints must focus on misconduct, not disagreements with laws or policies

Possible Investigation Results

• Sustained: The complaint is supported by evidence
• Not Sustained: Not enough evidence
• Unfounded: The allegation was false
• Exonerated: The incident did happen but the officer acted properly

What Happens If Misconduct Occurred

• Discipline can include training, suspension, or termination, depending on severity.

Compliments

• Reviewed by a supervisor
• Given to the employee
• Placed in their personnel file

Racial Profiling Complaints

• TVCC PD takes all racial profiling complaints seriously.
• Definition: Action based on race/ethnicity/national origin instead of behavior or evidence.
• Filed and investigated the same way as any other complaint.

Important Notes

• Making a complaint will not affect any charges or legal issues you may have.
• Officers are not allowed to retaliate for a complaint.
• The complaint only evaluates the officer’s behavior — not any charges against you.

How to Submit

• You can compliment or complain about a TVCC police officer at any time.
• To do this, contact:
  • An on‑duty supervisor
  • Call the department
    • 903‑675‑6235
  • Email Chief Heath Cariker
    • Heath.Cariker@tvcc.edu
  • Mail a statement
    • TVCC Police Department
      100 Cardinal Dr.
      Athens, TX 75751

Submit a Compliment or Complaint