Compliments/Complaints

Have something nice to say about one of our folks or perhaps you have input how we can improve our services and be better?  We'd love to hear about it.   You may visit our lobby, call us direct at 603-772-1212, or email any supervisor (Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, or Chief).  Please fill out one of the appropriate forms linked on this page and get it in to us to help facilitate the process.   The complaint process is fully described below.  

All complaints made against the Department or its employees shall be investigated, including anonymous complaints.  Anonymous complaints will be investigated to the degree possible.  The conclusion has four possible findings: sustained, not sustained, unfounded, or exonerated.   If no corroborative evidence results from the investigation and/or the complainant cannot be contacted for an interview, the complaint will be considered unfounded.

PROCEDURE:

Attempt to see or make arrangements to meet with a Sergeant or the Deputy Chief of Police.  If the complaint does not concern any individual employee, but instead addresses a particular departmental policy or procedure, ask to see the Chief of Police.

If you are filing an informal complaint, you will still be asked to complete a report form which identifies the circumstances, nature, and extent of your complaint.  The report form requests specific information which the Department needs in order to make a thorough investigation.

Persons who initiate formal written complaints shall receive acknowledgment from the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee regarding receipt of the complaint.

The status of formal investigations shall be communicated to the complainant periodically and at its conclusion.

Investigations shall be completed within thirty (30) days from the time the written complaint is registered.  Exceptions shall only be granted by the Chief of Police when extenuating circumstances are present. If the complaint is not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complainant may request a meeting with the Chief of Police or his designee to discuss the matter.

 If the complaint is against the Chief of Police, you can meet directly with the Chief, or file a formal complaint directly with the Exeter Town Manager.  You can obtain the procedure for contacting the Town Manager either from the Police Department or the Town Offices.

Persons making false statements in their complaints may be in violation of NH RSA 641:3 Unsworn Falsification, and could be criminally prosecuted.