How to File a Complaint Against an Officer

The Northern Illinois University Department of Police and Public Safety is committed to providing law enforcement services that are fair, effective and impartially applied. Toward that end, officers are held to the highest standards of official conduct and are expected to perform their job to the best of their ability, which is the ultimate objective of this agency.

Northern Illinois University Department of Police and Public Safety is dedicated to protecting the public, employees and the department through fair, thorough and proactive investigations of alleged misconduct. The submission of complaints is intended to provide the campus community and members of this department an avenue to express opinions or concerns with matters pertaining to members and/or policies, procedures or operations of the Northern Illinois University Department of Police and Public Safety. Complaint forms should be filled out in their entirety, to allow for the proper and complete investigation of the complaint. It is suggested that the individual submitting the complaint consult with a police supervisor, the Office of the Ombudsperson, or other responsible university official. This will provide them with a more complete understanding of the complaint process and its potential outcome.

It is the policy of the Northern Illinois University Department of Police and Public Safety to thoroughly investigate all complaints against members of the department. If the result of the investigation reveals that the person who submitted the complaint provided false information regarding the complaint, they may be subject to prosecution as provided under Illinois law.

Submit a Complaint Against an Officer