Procedural Considerations in the Investigation of Complaints Against Law Enforcement Personnel

This manual contains a brief review of major case law and legislative action on the issue of discovery of police personnel records, the destruction of personnel records and investigative files, civil rights for peace officers, and due process requirements concerning employee suspension and termination. It is not comprehensive or all encompassing of any of these issues. Case law (and its direct impact on ancillary rules of conduct) continues to evolve in these areas. Because of this, we have focused only on current judicial and legislative actions. Substantive material covered may soon be outdated. Nevertheless, the manual will serve as a guide to the police executive in the administration of internal discipline for the immediate future.