The Cornell University Police recognizes that in order to maintain public trust and the integrity of the department, it is imperative that all department employees be held to a high standard and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. The public image of the department is determined to a large degree by the quality of the internal affairs function in responding to allegations of misconduct by the department or individual members of the department.
It is the policy of the Cornell University Police to accept all complaints of alleged employee misconduct; to conduct a fair and impartial investigation of the complaint; to determine whether the complaint is valid or invalid; and, where indicated, take appropriate action. The Cornell University Police encourages citizens to bring forward legitimate grievances regarding misconduct by members of the department or the department in general.
Cornell Police Annual Internal Affairs Reports:
How to File a Citizen’s Complaint:
If you wish to make a formal complaint about the actions of an officer/employee or about any aspect of the Cornell University Police operations, to start the process you can do one of the following:
- Come to Barton Hall, police headquarters, and tell any employee that you want to make a complaint; or
- Call the Cornell University Police at (607) 255-1111 and tell the individual answering the phone that you want to make a complaint.
- You will be asked to submit a Cornell University Police Citizens Complaint/ Allegation form. This form asks that you identify yourself and provide contact information. Additionally, you will be required to give a detailed written statement about your complaint. Once completed you need to come to the Cornell Police Dispatch Office located in Barton Hall. You will be received by a supervisor who will ask you to provide identification and then witness your signature on the form.
- Once received, your complaint will be investigated and you will be contacted. You may be asked to provide additional information regarding your complaint.
- If your complaint takes an extraordinary amount of time to investigate, you will be contacted by a supervisor informing you of the progress of our investigation regarding your complaint.
- At the conclusion of our investigation regarding your complaint, you will be notified and provided with the determination of the complaint based on the evidence and investigation.