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Professional Standards
The Lowell Police Department Professional Standards Division is mandated to investigate allegations of misconduct against employees of the Lowell Police Department. All allegations of employee misconduct are investigated by conducting a thorough and impartial examination of all available factual information.
Complaints against members of the Lowell Police Department may be made by phone, letter or in person. Complaint forms (PDF) may be downloaded below or obtained at the main desk area at the Lowell Police Department (50 Arcand Drive). If you need to speak with someone, please call 978-937-3200.
Complaint Form (English)
Complaint Form (Spanish)
Complaint Form (Khmer)
Complaint Form (Arabic)
Complaint Form (Swahili)
Complaint Form (Portuguese)
All complaints received by the Department are forwarded to the Professional Standards Division. When a complaint is received, it is reviewed to determine the nature of the allegations. The most serious complaints are investigated by the Professional Standards Division. These complaints involve allegations of excessive force, or complaints alleging criminal activity. Complaints comparatively less serious in nature, such as rude behavior or improper procedure are forwarded to the Sector Captain, who that Officer works under. In every case, the person making the complaint will be contacted during the investigation for additional information, and will be notified by mail of the final disposition.
The Lowell Police Department has grown dramatically in the past years and so too has its Professional Standards Office. In June of 1999, the Professional Standards Office went from a one-person operation, to presently consist of two Sergeants, and an Input/Output Clerk. The addition of personnel in the Professional Standards Office was needed to appropriately address the complaints being received by this office, coupled with the need to adhere to the Policy and Procedures of this office. As a result of the additional personnel, officers and citizens will be notified in writing as to the results of their cases.
The Professional Standards Office has also implemented a Problem Solver of the Month Award. This award is for individuals within the department that make the extra effort to identify problems and formulate solutions. Those individuals will be recognized for their achievements.
The Purpose of This Office is 3-Fold
- Protection of the Public: The public has the right to receive fair, efficient and impartial law enforcement. Any misconduct by departmental personnel shall be thoroughly investigated and properly adjudicated to assure the maintenance of these qualities
- Protection of the Department: The department is often evaluated and judged by the conduct of its individual employees. It is important that the whole organization not be criticized because of the misconduct of a few. The public must have the confidence that its police department honestly and fairly investigates all allegations of misconduct against its employees.
- Protection of the Employee: Employees must be protected against false or misinformed allegations of misconduct. This can only be accomplished through a fair, impartial and thorough investigative process.
File a Complaint
Complaints against members of the Lowell Police Department may be made by phone, letter or in person. Complaint forms (PDF) may be downloaded below or obtained at the main desk area at the Lowell Police Department (50 Arcand Drive). If you need to speak with someone, please call 978-937-3200.
Complaint Form (English)
Complaint Form (Spanish)
Complaint Form (Khmer)
Complaint Form (Arabic)
Complaint Form (Swahili)
Complaint Form (Portuguese)
After a Complaint is Received
All complaints received by the Department are forwarded to the Professional Standards Division. When a complaint is received, it is reviewed to determine the nature of the allegations. The most serious complaints are investigated by the Professional Standards Division. These complaints involve allegations of excessive force, or complaints alleging criminal activity. Complaints comparatively less serious in nature, such as rude behavior or improper procedure are forwarded to the Sector Captain, who that Officer works under. In every case, the person making the complaint will be contacted during the investigation for additional information, and will be notified by mail of the final disposition.
Background Information on Professional Standards
The Lowell Police Department has grown dramatically in the past years and so too has its Professional Standards Office. In June of 1999, the Professional Standards Office went from a one-person operation, to presently consist of two Sergeants, and an Input/Output Clerk. The addition of personnel in the Professional Standards Office was needed to appropriately address the complaints being received by this office, coupled with the need to adhere to the Policy and Procedures of this office. As a result of the additional personnel, officers and citizens will be notified in writing as to the results of their cases.
The Professional Standards Office has also implemented a Problem Solver of the Month Award. This award is for individuals within the department that make the extra effort to identify problems and formulate solutions. Those individuals will be recognized for their achievements.