Police Dept. Programs & Resources
Police Dept. Ride-Along Program
The Pinehurst Police Department is pleased that you have chosen to participate in our Ride-Along Program. The purpose of the program is to provide interested citizens with an insight into the line operations of the Department. It is our hope that you will find this experience both informative and enjoyable.
Citizens Ride-Along Application
Racial Profiling
Informing the Public on the Process of Filing a Racial Profiling Complaint with the Pinehurst Police Department.
Racial profiling is defined as the use of an individual's race or ethnicity by law enforcement personnel as a key factor in deciding whether to engage in enforcement.
If you think you are a victim of Racial Profiling please report the incident to the Pinehurst Police Department located at 2493 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive or call 409-886-2221 to make an appointment.
Complaint Information
Texas State Law Requirements
Texas State Law requires that all complaints against peace officers must be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. Just as citizens who are arrested must be notified of the charges against them, the peace officer must be given a copy of the complaint before any disciplinary action may be taken. Complaints must be made by the person aggrieved. Other persons may give statements as witnesses.
The Chief will assign a Supervisor/Investigator and they will conduct a thorough investigation of your complaint. You will be advised of the results if you so wish and so indicate on the complaint form.
Traffic citations issued or differences of opinions between the officer over the issuance of traffic citations as to the guilt or innocence of persons arrested will not be investigated unless there is a specific allegation of misconduct against officers.
False Complaints
Sometimes people make false complaints against peace officers. Citizens should be aware that this is a violation of the Texas Penal Code. Section 37.02 (PERJURY) provides punishment for those individuals adjudged guilty of committing an offense, if with intent to deceive and had knowledge of the statements meaning; he makes a false statement under oath or swears to the truth of a false statement previously made and the statement is required or authorized by law to be made under oath.
A person convicted under this section can be confined in jail for a term of not more than (1) year and a fine not to exceed $4,000. This information is not intended to intimidate citizens or prevent them from making valid complaints. It is the intent of the department to persuade individuals from seeking retribution by filing false complaints against peace officers.
What Happens When A Complaint Is Found To Be True?
When the investigation of a complaint reveals that the charges are true and should be sustained against a Pinehurst Police Department employee, the Chief or Lieutenant notifies the employee and he may take one of the following actions, depending on the nature of the violation:
Verbal Reprimand Written Reprimand Time Off Without Compensation Demotion Termination
What Happens If The Complaint Is Not True?
Pinehurst Police Department employees must be afforded certain rights the same as with all citizens, and complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. If there is not sufficient evidence to sustain the complaints, the officer is notified and continues with his or her duties.
Can An Officer Appeal The Complaint?
Yes. Just as citizens charged with a criminal offense have the right to appeal the court’s decision, peace officers also have the right to appeal administrative actions taken against them. The Pinehurst Police Department has established procedures for ensuring that complaints by citizens, against officers are thoroughly and honestly investigated.
Final Thoughts!
The Pinehurst Police Department is vitally concerned with the welfare of all citizens and in taking action where employees have proven derelict in their duties or are guilty of misconduct. If it becomes necessary for you to make a complaint, you can be assured that it will be given a fair and thorough investigation.
If you have occasion to see an employee doing outstanding work, tell him/her or even better drop us a note. The Pinehurst Police Department is made up of individuals who are dedicated to serving and protecting the health, welfare, and safety of you and our entire community.
Download and print a complaint form. If the information on the form is completed prior to arriving at the Pinehurst Police Department, YOU MUST SIGN IT IN FRONT OF A NOTARY. However if you complete the form and bring it to the Pinehurst Police Department unsigned it can be notarized here.