Yuba City Police Department
Serving Yuba City
since 1908
Yuba City Police Department
Complaint
How to make a Complaint:

If you have a concern about the practices or personnel of the Yuba City Police Department, what can you do about it?

A positive relationship between the police and the public they serve, fostered by confidence and trust, is essential to effective law enforcement. While the police are charged with vigorous enforcement of the law, they must meticulously observe the rights of all people.  Police personnel, at the same time, must be free to take action in a reasonable, lawful, and impartial manner, without fear of reprisal.

It is important, therefore, that adequate provisions be made for the prompt receipt, investigation and disposition of a complaint regarding the conduct of Department personnel.  To this end, the Yuba City Police Department welcomes criticism of the department and valid complaints against its members or procedures.

A complaint may be made ANY time of the day or night.  To the right of this page you will see a Complaint Form button that will take you to our online form.  You may come into the Police Department in person to address your concern, or you can call or write anonymously, if you wish.

Investigation Procedure

We ask that you provide as much information as possible regarding the incident.  It is extremely important to the investigation that a statement be obtained from you.  If your concern stems from an arrest or citation issued to a family member or yourself, depending on the circumstances, it might not be investigated until the legal matter has been settled.

A review of your concern, could result in it being investigated in one of two ways.  It will either be forwarded to the employee's supervisor for inquiry or to the Division Commander for an investigation. Each allegation is examined on its own merits. Formal investigations require investigators to contact all available witnesses, including police officers, examine any relevant physical evidence, and gather all information pertinent to each allegation made in the complaint.


The Chief of Police will render a finding in each case.  There are four possible findings:

Sustained: The investigation disclosed enough evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegation.

Not Sustained: The investigation failed to reveal enough evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegation.

Exonerated: The act which provided the basis for the complaint did occur; however, the investigation revealed the act was justified, lawful, and proper.

Unfounded: The investigation has produced sufficient evidence to prove that the act or acts alleged did not occur.  This finding shall also apply when individual personnel named in the complaint were not involved in an act that did occur.

You will be notified of the finding in writing at the conclusion of the investigation.  When a finding of "Sustained" is determined, corrective action will be taken.

The type of corrective action imposed is subject to the provisions of the City of Yuba City Police Department.  Discipline may include counseling, training and action up to and including termination.

If your complaint is sustained and punitive discipline is imposed, the employee has appeal rights.  Therefore, you may be required to testify at one or more administrative/criminal proceedings.

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Yuba City Police Department
Mission Statement

To work in partnership with the community to protect life and property, solve neighborhood problems, and enhance the quality of life in our community.

Together We Protect

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