Police Officers are sworn to protect the rights of all citizens.  This also applies to those who are arrested and taken into custody. The men and women of The University of Tennessee Police Department take this charge seriously and, for that reason, we have adopted internal safeguards to discourage abuses of authority by police officers.  Complaints regarding such abuses are taken very seriously and are vigorously investigated. If you feel a The University of Tennessee Police Department employee has acted in an unprofessional manner towards you or others, We encourage you to report that officer to a police supervisor. See 'A Guide to the Citizen Complaint Process' which will help explain our department’s citizen complaint process. The Department is committed to providing excellent customer service.  We would also like to hear from you if you know of an employee who has done something for which you believe they should receive recognition.

A guide to the citizen complaint process

Protecting Your Rights is Our Business -
The University of Tennessee Police Department takes its responsibility and commitment to our community very seriously.  This is evident by the fact that the department thoroughly investigates every complaint it receives against police personnel. All investigations are conducted in a fair and expeditious manner in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Who can make a complaint?

When should a complaint be made?

Responsibility of a complainant

How can a complaint be filed?

What is the complaint procedure?

What happens after the investigation is complete?

Following up with the complainant

Contact information

Who can make a complaint?(back to top)
Any person who witnesses or has direct knowledge of police misconduct may file a complaint.  It doesn't matter whether the person making the complaint was directly involved in the incident.

When should a complaint be made? (back to top)
Call the police department if you witness or learn of police misconduct.  This misconduct may relate to excessive use of force, unethical conduct, discourteous or abusive actions, or a violation of a city, state or federal law.

The responsibility of a complainant. (back to top)
The  University of Tennessee Police Department views all allegations of impropriety against its police personnel seriously and actively conducts an investigation on employee misconduct.  For this reason, the complainant must ensure that their complaint is based on fact.

False reporting in an attempt to unjustly discipline or defame police personnel or to place their employment in jeopardy can result in criminal charges or civil suit by the employee involved.

How can a complaint be filed?(back to top)
Complaints can be filed in several ways:

Contact the supervisor of the police employee involved.  The telephone number for  making a complaint is (865) 974-3114.

1. In person at The University of Tennessee Police Department; or by picking up a copy of a complaint form, filling it out, and mailing it to The University of Tennessee Police Department.

2. By e-mailing the Internal Affairs Unit at  utpolice@utk.edu

What is the complaint procedure?(back to top)

1. In most cases the supervisor of the accused employee conducts the investigation.  When the allegations are of a very serious nature, the investigation may be conducted by the department's Internal Affairs Unit.  This usually involves incidents that could result in demotion, termination, or criminal charges.

2. The employee’s supervisor or the department’s Internal Affairs Investigator reviews the facts and circumstances of the incident by interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.  When completed, the supervisor reports the incident and submits the findings through the chain of command to determine the final outcome.

After the investigation is completed. (back to top)

The final outcome of the investigation will fall into one of the following categories:

1. Exonerated - The allegation occurred; however the employee's conduct was proper or within department policy.

2. Unfounded -   The allegation was found to be false. (This may apply to one or all of the allegations against the employee.)

3. Not Sustained - There is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation.

4. Sustained - The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to justify a   reasonable conclusion of guilt.  

Following up with the complainant. (back to top)

The complainant will be advised of the supervisor's findings. City, state and federal laws govern a police employee's privacy rights. 

Contact Information:(back to top)

UTPD, 1101 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996, (865)974-3114, email at utpolice@utk.edu