Mesa police launches portal for filing complaints, commendations

PHOENIX — The Mesa Police Department has unveiled a new online portal that will simplify the complaint and commendation process.

“We’ve always had ways for the public to either file a complaint for allegations of misconduct of police officers, but we also have an avenue where the public can send commendations for police officers because there is a lot of times our police officers do outstanding work out in the field and the public wants to recognize us somehow,” Sgt. Chuck Trapani told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.

“We just took it one step further with creating this online portal.”

The online portal not only allows people to file complaints or commendations but also add video, photos or other recordings to the file, Trapani said.

Prior to the online portal, people could come to one of the four substations and talk to a supervisor, go on the department’s website or reach Mesa police by phone at 480-644-2010.

Those methods remain in effect but are complemented by the online portal, Mesa police said in a press release.

Trapani added everything with the portal will be input automatically, allowing people to get updates on the complaint or commendation in a timely matter through whatever communication method they prefer.

Those who don’t have internet can use the online portal at a kiosk in the lobby of any of the substations, Trapani said.

Along with complaints, which the department says are investigated and swift corrective disciplinary or procedural action is taken if necessary, Trapani asks people to also use the portal when they see someone with the department doing good work.

“Most time citizens, they’re real quick to file a complaint about a police officer but we also want the public to know that I know they see our police officers and our professional staff doing great work out there and if they want to send a nice note to our employees, please use the portal or the other mediums because it goes a long way knowing that we’re out there doing our job and then the public appreciates what we do,” Trapani said.

“It goes a long way for our officers and our professional staff.”

People are asked to not use the portal to report a crime and instead call 911 if there is a threat to life or property or use the non-emergency number at 480-644-2211.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Patricia Valencia contributed to this report. 

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