A Message from the Sheriff

The Yuma County Sheriff's Office is “Dedicated to Service”. This means we care about what you think of the service we provide to this community. We value your opinions – positive or negative – and use this information to deliver the best possible service to you, the citizens. Your input shapes programs, policies, training and discipline.

In 1997 we put together a customer service program and have been honing the process ever since. Our customer service program includes forwarding commendations when earned and investigating complaints when received.

This process has many steps and includes reviewing information from people directly involved in an incident such as victims, witnesses, friends, relatives of those involved or any other group or organization with whom you feel comfortable.

You may make a complaint or comment in person, by letter or by telephone. You need not give us your name, but we encourage you to do so in case we need additional information or to let you know the outcome of the investigation.

If you feel strongly about our department’s performance – positive or negative – let us know.

RALPH E. OGDEN, SHERIFF
 

How to Commend a Deputy or an Employee

When you have experienced service from our department that is worthy of commendation, we would like to hear about it. At the bottom of this page is a link to a form you may fill out and submit to let our employee know that what he or she did is appreciated. Or, you may call the Yuma County Sheriff's Office at 928-783-4427. Please include all the details you can remember such as the Deputy's or employee's name, the date, time and the circumstances of the incident.

How to File a Complaint

Immediately bring your complaint to the attention of the department by either requesting a supervisor at the scene of the incident or by calling the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency telephone number at 928-783-4427. A supervisor will be notified of the complaint and you will be contacted as soon as possible to complete a formal written complaint.

During daytime hours, complaints may be directed to the Yuma County Sheriff's Office (928-783-4427). Or, at the bottom of this page is a form you may fill out and submit with your complaint. Include all details you remember, such as the Deputy's or employee’s name, the date, time and circumstances of the incident.

How Complaints Are Investigated

You have the right to make a complaint against a law enforcement officer or an employee for any improper conduct or behavior. YCSO investigates citizen complaints and takes the appropriate action to resolve these complaints.

Once the complaint is received, we send you a letter acknowledging the complaint and confirming that an investigation has begun. At the same time, we will assign this case to an investigator. During the investigation of the allegations made, we will interview you, the employee named in the complaint and all witnesses. When appropriate, we will examine physical evidence and take photographs.

If we determine the complaint is valid, we will take appropriate action.

If the investigation reveals there is not enough evidence to warrant action on your complaint, the complaint will be filed away and it remains part of an employee's file.

Remember, no matter what the outcome, you still have the right to file a complaint if you believe an officer or employee behaved improperly or in an inappropriate manner. It is, however, a misdemeanor to make a false complaint against an officer.