Vallejo Police Department Releases Draft Complaint Policy for Public Feedback

The Vallejo Police Department (VPD) is excited to announce the release of its draft revised Personnel Complaint Policy. We invite community members, business owners, and stakeholders to review the policy and provide feedback by April 24, 2026.

This updated policy demonstrates VPD's commitment to building public trust, accountability, and continuing fair investigative practices. It outlines the procedures for accepting, classifying, investigating, and resolving complaints against VPD personnel. The draft policy includes safeguards to ensure all complaints are handled with professionalism, impartiality, and transparency.

In accordance with Government Code sections 3300 through 3313 and Penal Code section 832.5, the policy stipulates that all complaints will be accepted without delay, bias, or retaliation. Every allegation will be thoroughly investigated in alignment with California law and VPD standards.

Key highlights of the draft policy include:

• Complaint Accessibility: VPD accepts complaints from anyone through multiple channels: in person, online, by phone, email, mail, or anonymously. Forms and brochures will be available in English, Spanish, and Tagalog at the department lobby and on VallejoPD.net. Interpretation services will be offered, and oral complaints may be recorded upon request. All complaints will be documented, reviewed by a supervisor, and followed up promptly. Complainants will receive a copy of their statement and may submit additional information at any time.

• Community Outreach and Oversight: Vallejo PD will distribute complaint forms, brochures, and informational materials in our front lobby, on our website, and throughout the community. These resources will also be distributed to local churches, community organizations, and oversight bodies such as the Police Oversight and Accountability Commission and the Chief's Advisory Board.

• New Public Complaint Portal: A new online Public Portal will allow community members to submit complaints and feedback directly through a secure, user-friendly web platform. The portal is available in multiple languages and can be accessed anytime from a phone or computer, making it easier than ever to engage with the department. Users will also receive real-time updates as their complaint moves through the review process.

• Clear Classification and Oversight: Complaints will be categorized as formal, informal, or public inquiries. The Professional Standards Division will oversee the fair handling of all complaints, regardless of their source.

• Strict Anti-Retaliation Protections: Any attempt to interfere with or retaliate against a complainant, witness, or cooperating party will result in disciplinary action, which can include termination.

• Transparency and Reporting: An annual public report summarizing complaint trends and dispositions will be published each year.

• Thorough Investigative Standards: All personnel complaint investigations will be conducted with diligence, including the recording of interviews and evidentiary reviews, and will follow a preponderance-of-evidence standard.

• Annual Audit and Training: The Professional Standards Division will perform annual audits of the complaint process. All relevant Vallejo PD personnel will receive training on complaint intake and investigation procedures.

The Vallejo Police Department will host a town hall meeting on April 30, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 505 Santa Clara Street (The Vallejo Room). This meeting will present the draft complaints policy and listen to community comments and concerns regarding the revised complaint policy.

We encourage all community members to review the draft policy and submit their questions or feedback.