Complaints
The Importance of Your Complaint
The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that its employees are accountable for their conduct, especially in their interactions with the public. We understand that conflicts between citizens and Sheriff’s Office personnel may arise. Building a strong foundation of trust and confidence between law enforcement and the community is essential for public safety.
Deputies must be free to exercise their best judgment and take appropriate action in a reasonable, lawful, and impartial manner without fear of reprisal. At the same time, they are required to uphold the rights of all individuals. The complaint process ensures that Sheriff’s Office members are held accountable for misconduct while also protecting them from unwarranted criticism when they perform their duties correctly.
It is important to note that a disagreement over the validity of a citation is not considered a complaint. Such matters should be addressed in the appropriate court.
We acknowledge that differing perceptions, confusion, or the timing of information may result in varied accounts of the same incident. However, knowingly filing a false or misleading complaint may constitute a violation of state law.
Complaint Dispositions
Complaints may be submitted anonymously. However, if you choose to remain anonymous, you will not receive updates on the outcome of your complaint. Each complaint will be classified under one of the following categories:
- Unfounded – The investigation determines that the alleged acts did not occur or did not involve Sheriff’s Office personnel. Complaints found to be frivolous fall into this category.
- Exonerated – The investigation confirms that the alleged act occurred, but the actions were justified, lawful, and proper.
- Not Sustained – There is insufficient evidence to either support the complaint or fully exonerate the involved personnel.
- Sustained – Sufficient evidence establishes that the alleged act occurred and constituted misconduct.
If an investigation reveals misconduct or improper job performance beyond the original complaint, the investigator will take appropriate action regarding the additional findings.
