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1. Can anyone submit a complaint?

The person most directly affected by the alleged conduct should be the person to complain. Under most circumstances, this is the person most likely to provide the best information about the incident. However, third party complaints will be accepted and investigated to the best of our ability.

2. Can complaints be made at any time?

To help ensure evidence is still available and recollections of the incident are fresh, complaints should be made as soon as possible after the alleged misconduct occurred.

3. Can I submit an anonymous complaint?

Anonymous complaints are investigated, but not recommended. Although anonymous complaints are investigated, the investigations are less likely to reveal all the facts surrounding an incident when the investigator is unable to contact the complainant. Troy Police Department encourages individuals with allegations of misconduct by our employees to identify themselves and submit to an interview.

4. I’m dissatisfied with an arrest or ticket can I file a complaint?

The subject of the complaint should involve alleged misconduct by an employee. The focus of the Troy Police Department complaint procedure is on alleged misconduct by the Troy Police Department employee that encompasses violation of laws or Troy Police Department policies and procedures. Dissatisfaction with an arrest or ticket is not considered a “complaint” and you will be referred to the court with the appropriate jurisdiction.

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1. What do I do if online incident reporting is not right for me?

If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If non-emergency call 518-270-4421.

2. What if this happened in another city can I file a report using this online police citizen reporting system?

No, If a crime took place outside of the City of City of Troy, NY Police Department please call the police department for that city.

3. What if this happened on a state Freeway?

If this took place on a state Freeway please call the Highway Patrol Office nearest you.

4. What is a known suspect?

A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime or the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect(s) were in.

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1. What is a complaint?

A complaint is a written document submitted to the Ethics Commission containing allegations that a City Official has violated one or more of the City's governmental ethics laws. The person filing the complaint with the Ethics Commission is called the "complainant." The person in the complaint who is alleged to have violated the City's governmental ethics laws is called the "respondent." All complaints must be notarized prior to submission.

2. How do I file a complaint?

The Commission's sworn complaint form can be filled out and printed from the Commission's website, or sent to you via mail/email. The sworn complaint must be mailed or dropped off at the City Clerks Offices; it cannot be submitted electronically. Please email the Ethics Commission if you would like a sworn complaint form mailed to you or call the City Clerk at 518-279-7134 or contact the Personnel office if a city employee.

3. May I verbally lodge a complaint at an Ethics Commission meeting?

No. The Commission's procedures, as set forth in City Code section 43-22(a), only allow for written sworn complaints to be filed though they may be turned in during the public section of general meeting, but there will be no discussion on the matter.

4. May I file an anonymous complaint?

The Commission's procedures allow Commission staff to process a complaint that does not include the name of the complainant but all claims filed must contain your name and contact information. Under New York States Labor Law Section 740 and City Code Section 43-3.1, Employees are afforded whistleblower protection and protection from retaliatory actions. You must check the appropriate box on the complaint form to notify the commission that you are filing as an employee of the City of Troy.

5. If I file a complaint, is my identity kept confidential?

Although certain Commission records pertaining to each complaint are available to the public following a dismissal, the identity of the complainant will be kept confidential if you specify you are an employee or officer of the city or you specify in writing a detailed reason why you must remain anonymous.

6. What happens after I file a complaint?

In accordance with Ethics Commission procedures, the Commission will conduct a preliminary review of the complaint to determine whether the allegations fall within the jurisdiction of the Commission. The preliminary review is generally completed within thirty days of receiving the complaint. If the Commission determines that the allegations are not within the Commission's jurisdiction, the complaint will be dismissed and letters will be sent to the complainant and respondent explaining the reasons for the dismissal.

If the Commission determines that the allegations are within the Commission's jurisdiction, the Commission will authorize an inquiry or investigation. Neither the complainant nor the respondent is notified when an inquiry or investigation is authorized. Following the conclusion of the inquiry or investigation, the results of that inquiry or investigation are presented to the Commission, which will then determine whether the matter should be dismissed, referred to another agency, a settlement negotiated, advisory opinion or disciplinary recommendation to respondents immediate reporting authority, or submitted for a probable cause hearing. If the Commission decides to dismiss the matter, both the complainant and respondent will be notified.

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1. When should I call 911?

When there is an emergency, lives are in danger, serious injury, serious medical condition, crime in progress, or any other situation needing immediate attention.

2. Do I have to give my name when I call 911?

If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential just tell the operator.

3. What should I do if I see a crime occurring?

• Call 911 immediately.
• Be observant and make mental notes.
• Are there any weapons involved?
• What is the address?
• Any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?
• Any clothing description?
• How many people involved?
• Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

4. How do I teach my children to Use 911?

• Never say "nine eleven." There is no eleven on a telephone keypad or dial. Always say "nine-one-one."
• Always call from a safe place. If there is a fire in the house, get out first and then call.
• Post your address near the phone.
• Never call 911 as a prank or joke. You can get into trouble and keep someone who really needs help from getting it in time.
• 911 is not for animal emergencies. Leave the number for the vet next to the phone. If you need to reach the City's Dog Warden call 518-270-4640.
• Call 911 if you think you have an emergency and explain the situation to the dispatcher. If you call
• 911 by mistake, don't hang up. Explain the mistake to the dispatcher and say there is NO EMERGENCY.

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1. How can I get a copy of my police report?

Stop by the Troy Police Department, send an email to Troy Police Reports or submit a written request for the report through the U.S. mail. The written request must contain: A contact phone number, date of incident, time of incident, location of incident, parties involved, incident report number (if known).

Mail your request to:

Troy Police Department
Attention: Records Division
55 State Street
Troy, NY 12180

Attention: The City of Troy requires that you submit a FOIL Request for records that are not your own.

2. How can I get a copy of my criminal record?

You may obtain a copy of your own local criminal history information by stopping by the Troy Police Department Records Division located at 55 State Street, Troy, NY., Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. You must have a picture identification with you.

3. How can I get a police clearance letter (proof of no criminal record)?

You may obtain a clearance letter by stopping by the Troy Police Department Records Division located at 55 State Street, Troy, NY., Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. You must have a picture identification with you.