| It is the policy of the Las Cruces Police Department to promptly and thoroughly investigate allegations of misconduct by its members using internal processes administered by the Professional Standards Unit.
Citizens are encouraged to bring any questions or concerns about procedures to the Police Department’s attention through a supervisory team member or the Professional Standards Unit. An attempt will be made to resolve any issues either informally or formally.
What is the function of the Professional Standards Unit?
The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for receiving, processing, supervising and controlling investigations that involve allegations of criminal conduct and acts of misconduct against members of the Las Cruces Police Department.
The Professional Standards Unit reports directly to the Chief of Police and has the responsibility to investigate or ensure the investigations of:
- Allegations of criminal conduct by any member of the Department.
- Allegations of misconduct by any member of the Department.
- Allegations of unnecessary or excessive force used by a member of the Department during the performance of duty.
How does a citizen file a complaint?
Complaints will be accepted in person, by telephone or by letter. It is highly preferred that the complaint be made in person by the individual who is directly involved in the allegation against the Las Cruces Police Department member.
Complaints can be made in person at the Las Cruces Police Department complex located at 217 East Picacho Avenue or by calling the Professional Standards Unit at (575) 528-4096.
You may also download a citizen complaint form (76K PDF Format) from this web site. When completing this form, please include as much detail as possible including the date, time, and location of the incident, the identities of the officer(s) involved, if known, and a statement of circumstances surrounding your complaint. Please include your name and phone number so an investigator may contact you if further information or clarification is needed. Upon completion, the form should be mailed to the following address:
Las Cruces Police Department
Professional Standards Unit
P.O. Box 20000
Las Cruces, NM 88004
The complaint process is separate and independent of any criminal process and does not stop or delay court proceedings. If a citizen was arrested or received a citation he or she must still attend any court proceedings regardless of the status of the complaint investigation.
How are complaints investigated?
If the complaint alleges minor violations of departmental policies or procedures or the complaint alleges acts of discourtesy, the complaint may be forwarded through the chain of command to the member’s supervisor for investigation.
Is there any risk in making a complaint?
No. But if a person deliberately makes a false complaint and statement against a member, that person may be criminally prosecuted or held civilly liable.
What happens when the investigation is concluded?
The citizen and the Department member will be notified in writing that the investigation is concluded and its disposition.
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