Internal Affairs – Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Internal Affairs Office Frequently Asked Questions
Who may file a complaint?
Any person who feels he or she has been the victim of employee misconduct may file a complaint. If you are under the age of 18, a legal guardian must accompany you when filing the complaint.
How does one file a complaint?
The way to file a formal complaint is to contact the Internal Affairs Office Recording Line at (317) 327-3128. Leave a message requesting a formal complaint form be sent to you. Or, you may go in person to: MCSO, 40 S. Alabama Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 to pick up a formal complaint form at the security desk. You may complete the formal complaint form there or take it home and mail it to the address listed above, attention the Internal Affairs Office. The complaint will be investigated, as long as we can positively identify the employee involved. A formal complaint must be filed within a reasonable amount of time.
What happens to the complaint?
Once a complaint is received in the Internal Affairs Office, it is processed, recorded and sent to an investigative officer. The complaint is returned to the Internal Affairs Commander with a disposition (finding) attached. The complaint will then be reviewed by the Internal Affairs Commander.
What information is needed when filing a complaint?
When you file a complaint, please include the following information:
- Date, time, and location of incident
- Description of employee and I.D. number or badge and vehicle numbers (if available)
- Witnesses’ names, addresses, phone numbers
- Citations, medical records, or any other documentation or evidence that you feel may be helpful
What if the employee is found to be in violation of departmental policy?
If there is sufficient evidence to prove the allegation(s) made in the complaint, the complaint will be ruled SUSTAINED. The Sheriff or the section Lieutenant Colonel will take the appropriate action. This action is reported to the Internal Affairs Commander and forwarded to the complainant.
What if there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation(s)?
With insufficient evidence, the case will be ruled NOT SUSTAINED: Notification of that fact will be sent to the complainant.
What if the allegations do not coincide with the evidence?
If the information provided by the complainant does not coincide with the evidence obtained, the complaint will be ruled UNFOUNDED, and no further action will be taken.
How can you bring good employee conduct to the attention of MCSO?
If you would like to compliment the conduct and/or actions of an employee, this may be accomplished by writing to the Sheriff or the Division Lieutenant of the section in which the employee is assigned.
What if you do not agree with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office or the Internal Affairs Office?
You have the right to discuss your case with an attorney and seek recourse under the law.