Most cities or school districts have a complaint process so that people can file complaints against school police officers. If a school district has its own police department, the complaint process can usually be found on the school district police department's website or in the department's office. If a school district uses police officers from the local police department (city or county), the complaint process can usually be found on the local police department's website or in the department's office.
Generally all complaints against a police officer must be made in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. If the person making the complaint is younger than 18 years old, the complaint should also be signed by the person’s parent or legal guardian. Typically once the city or school district receives the complaint an investigation will take place. Upon completion of the investigation, the recommendation of the investigator will usually be forwarded the Chief of Police and/or the Superintendent. The Chief of Police and/or the Superintendent will assess the recommendation made by the investigator and determine how to handle the complaint.
Complaints can be made against school officers for a variety of reasons including for violations of the law, violations of school policies, use of excessive force, failure to provide a law enforcement service, or improper attitude or behavior. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the chief of police may request another agency or the Texas Department of Public Safety to undertake the investigation. Given the deference that law enforcement agencies often provide to each other, it is rare that a complaint filed against a police officer will yield discipline from the investigating law enforcement agency.