Sheriff's Office

Professional Standards

The Professional Standards Division has the responsibility to investigate any complaint against any of its employees, either sworn or non-sworn. These complaints may originate with citizens, inmates, or department personnel. Each complaint is promptly and thoroughly investigated.

It is important to the Kent County Sheriff's Office to maintain a Professional Standards Division. This lends credibility to the Sheriff and her administration to withstand any criticism of the integrity of either personnel or administration. The image is also portrayed that the department recognizes that employees are human and may make mistakes and/or violate department policies or procedures. Through these means we are also able to address these problems and render discipline in an appropriate manner.

The type of incidents or cases investigated by this unit may vary from excessive force, sexual harassment, conduct affecting department reputation, racial profiling, and violations of department policies and procedures.

Formal complaints are investigated, and a report is made to document the facts and information of the investigation. In addition to these formal complaints, there are minor complaints. These minor or informal complaints are taken for information or passed along to the appropriate supervisor for information or resolution.