File a Complaint with Sac Fire

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How to file

In order to begin an investigation of a complaint it is critical that you provide as much information as possible regarding the incident, including:

Your contact information: Name, Address, Phone Number(s). 

Incident information: Date, Time, Location.

Employee(s) involved: Name and Badge Number, if possible.

Unit involved: Fire Company, Fire Station, and/or Fire Vehicle, if possible

Description of the incident: Please provide as much detail as possible.

Witness information: Name, Address, Phone Number(s) of any witnesses to the incident.

You may complete our Customer Complaint Form or provide your information by email, regular mail, or in person.

Mail or in Person:

Professional Standards Unit, Sacramento Fire Department

5770 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 200

Sacramento, CA 95822

Voicemail:

(916) 808-0777

Hours of operation

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday

Email:

SFDPSU@sfd.cityofsacramento.org

Online: 

Submit online complaint

 

Complaint procedure

Depending on the nature of the complaint, a complaint can undergo one of two distinct investigation processes. The investigation will proceed in either of the following ways:

Supervisor Inquiry: In some instances, complaints are directed to the respective member's supervisor for a thorough examination. This inquiry process seeks to assess the merits of the complaint in question. 

Professional Standards Unit Investigation: In cases warranting a deeper examination, complaints are referred to the Professional Standards Unit for a comprehensive investigation. Each allegation made within the complaint is meticulously scrutinized on its own merits.

Investigation findings

The Fire Chief will make a determination in each case, resulting in one of four possible findings:

Sustained: The investigation has uncovered enough evidence to definitively support the allegation. 

Not Sustained: The investigation did not yield sufficient evidence to decisively confirm or refute the allegation. 

Exonerated: Although the act that prompted the complaint did indeed take place, the investigation has demonstrated that the act was justified, lawful, and conducted in accordance with proper procedures. 

Unfounded: The investigation has provided ample evidence to establish that the alleged act or acts did not occur. This determination is also applicable when individual personnel mentioned in the complaint were not involved in any act that did occur.

Actions taken

In cases where a finding of "Sustained" is established, corrective measures will be implemented. The nature of the corrective action is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Charter of the City of Sacramento, the regulations of the Civil Service Board, and, when applicable, upon approval from the City Manager. 

Disciplinary actions may encompass counseling, training, and, in severe cases, can extend up to and include termination. Should your complaint result in a sustained finding leading to punitive disciplinary action, the employee in question possesses appeal rights. Consequently, you may be called upon to provide testimony during one or more administrative proceedings.

Your valid concerns and constructive criticisms play a vital role in safeguarding our community from potential misconduct by our employees. Simultaneously, our thorough and impartial investigative process serves to protect employees from unjustified accusations when they carry out their duties conscientiously and professionally.

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