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175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406-1802

Official Complaints

Home Departments Public Safety Police Official Complaints

It is the policy of the Upper Merion Township Police Department to investigate all complaints against employees of the department, and the department itself, through a regulated, fair and impartial internal investigation regardless of the source of the complaint. Investigation of these complaints through standardized procedures will demonstrate the department’s desire to provide honest, efficient police service and will inspire public confidence in its personnel. A regulated program of complaint review will also ensure the fair and impartial treatment of all department personnel who become the subject of an internal investigation.

The Upper Merion Police Department encourages all employees to attempt to resolve any concern or complaint brought to their attention.  In many instances, the matter can be resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, by the employee taking the complaint.  However, there is a very small portion of complaints that rise to the level of an official formal written complaint.  These complaints are thoroughly investigated to determine if there has been a violation of department policy or procedure.  If there is a possibility of a criminal violation, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office would be requested to handle the criminal aspect of the investigation while the department investigates any possible administrative violations.

Official formal written complaints are acknowledged in writing and investigated by a member of the Police Department command staff.  The outcome of the internal investigation, and any recommendation on discipline, is then forwarded to the Chief of Police.  Complaint dispositions are as follows:

  • Sustained: The evidence was sufficient to prove the allegations.
  • Not sustained: The evidence was insufficient to either prove or disprove the allegations.
  • Exonerated: The incident occurred but was lawful or proper.
  • Unfounded: The allegation was false or not factual.
  • Policy Failure: Although the action of department or the employee was consistent with department policy, the complainant suffered a harm.

The complainant is notified in writing of the outcome at the conclusion of all formal complaints.

In 2023, there were zero formal citizen complaints filed.
In 2022, there were two formal citizen complaints filed.
In 2021, there was one formal citizen complaint filed.
In 2020, there were two formal citizen complaints filed.
In 2019, there were zero formal citizen complaints filed.
In 2018, there were two formal citizen complaints filed.
In 2017, there were two formal citizen complaints filed.
In 2023, there were zero formal citizen complaints filed.
  • There were no formal complaints filed in 2023
In 2022, there were two formal citizen complaints filed.
  • A formal complaint was filed against multiple Officers regarding their actions during a search/arrest warrant service.  The complaint alleged the Officers used excessive force and took money from an apartment.  At the completion of the investigation, the complaint was closed as unfounded.
  • A formal complaint was filed against an Officer regarding a comment he made during a theft investigation.  The complaint alleged that the Officer threatened the suspect.  At the completion of the investigation, the complaint was closed as exonerated
In 2021, there was one formal citizen complaint filed.
  • A formal complaint was filed against an Officer regarding the validity of a traffic stop.  The complaint alleged that the Officer stopped his vehicle without cause.  At the completion of the investigation, the complaint was closed as unfounded.
In 2020, there were two formal citizen complaints filed.
  • A formal complaint was filed against an Officer regarding his actions at a hearing.  The complaint alleged conduct unbecoming an officer.  At the completion of the investigation, the complaint was closed as unfounded.
  • A formal complaint was filed against an Officer regarding his comments while on a report call.  The complaint alleged conduct unbecoming an officer.  At the completion of the investigation, the complaint was closed as exonerated.
In 2019, there were zero formal citizen complaints filed.

There were no formal complaints filed in 2019

In 2018, there were two formal citizen complaints filed.
  • A formal complaint was filed against an Officer regarding his actions during a pedestrian stop with cause.  The complaint alleged that the Officer took money from the complainant.  Prior to the complaint being investigated, the citizen voluntarily withdrew the complaint.  At the completion of the investigation, the complaint was closed as unfounded.
  • A formal complaint was filed against an Officer regarding a handicapped parking spot.  The complaint alleged that the parking space was altered/moved without cause.  At the completion of the investigation, the complaint was closed as exonerated.
In 2017, there were two formal citizen complaints filed.
  • A formal complaint was filed against an Officer regarding his comments during an interaction with a citizen.  The complaint alleged rude behavior while dealing with the public.  At the completion of the investigation, the complaint was closed as not sustained.
  • A formal complaint was filed against two Officers regarding their conduct while investigating a suspicious person call.  The complaint alleged that Officers actions causes the citizen distress.  At the completion of the investigation, the complaint was closed as exonerated.
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