File a Complaint

All complaints will be addressed in a confidential, courteous, and efficient manner and with respect to the complainant.

All staff members are expected to treat all customer complaints objectively and without prejudice, bias, or hostility toward any person.

Complaints specific to an area of the Police Department are first handled by the appropriate first line supervisor, then by the supervisor of the division, and finally by the Chief of Police.

Complaints against other University employees, other than allegations of sexual harassment or discrimination under the law, are handled through the University's staff or faculty complaint and grievance policies and through coordination of the Staff Employee Mediation and Grievance Policy (UPPS 04.04.41)

Allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination or title 9 complaints are referred to and coordinated with The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX.

All complaints regarding Police Department employees will be reviewed and investigated as appropriate. Depending on the seriousness of the complaint, an Internal Affairs investigation may be conducted at the direction of the Chief of Police.

Once the complaint has been investigated, the person making the complaint will be notified of the findings without delay.

By law, complaints of employee misconduct must be reduced to written form and signed by the complainant to help ensure appropriate documentation of both the nature and substance of the complaint.

Information About Filing Complaints

It is the policy of the Texas State University Police Department to receive and investigate complaints concerning its employees. Persons desiring to make a complaint must understand the importance of submitting their complaint in writing with their signature affixed. The Texas Government Code, Section 614.022 (shown to the right) provides that all complaints to be considered on law enforcement officers must be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. 

The Texas Government Code also requires that a copy of the complaint be presented to the employee within a reasonable time and before any disciplinary action may be imposed.

Allegations made in a complaint investigation may have one of the following outcomes:
a. Unfounded - The allegation is false, not factual
b. Exonerated - The incident occurred, but was lawful and proper or was justified under the existing conditions.
c. Not Sustained - There is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegations.
d. Sustained - The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence. A sustained complaint may result in disciplinary action against the employee.

If a complainant deliberately gives false information causing the police department to conduct an investigation, the information can be presented to the District Attorney’s office for prosecution.

Instructions for Filing a Complaint

After reading the information on this page, contact UPD to discuss the incident, allegations, and complaint:

chiefmatt@txstate.edu
(512) 245-7108 
Texas State University Police Department Pecan Building
1321 Academy St
San Marcos Texas 78666

With the information you provide, and your input, a decision will be made regarding the classification and handling of the complaint, and the complaint will be addressed appropriately.

Upon completion of an investigation into a complaint, you will be notified as to the outcome.