Administration

I would like to personally welcome you to the Administration Division, which has the responsibility for providing several critical services which support the mission and operations of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety. This Division is tasked with:

§           - Recruitment and hiring of all department personnel, processing of human resource referrals, addressing job classification issues, and establishing promotional processes;

§     - Internal Affairs investigations consisting of investigating internal and citizen-generated complaints of alleged misconduct against employees;

§     - Workers Compensation claims, providing risk management and safety assessments, performing policy review;

§     - Training Public Safety employees, initial academies and the continuous development of staff;

§     - Ensuring members are properly uniformed, equipped, and supported in their daily duties.

All sworn and support staff members of the Administration Division remain committed to performing their duties in a collaborative environment to ensure that Public Safety is staffed with some of the highest caliber personnel in the profession, while assuring for non-discrimination and equal opportunity compliance.

Dayton Pang, Deputy Chief

The Workers Compensation and Safety Unit

The Workers Compensation and Safety Unit works in conjunction with the Human Resources Department to evaluate legislative mandates and policy and procedures that will mitigate risk to Public Safety, its employees, and to minimize civil litigation. The unit is staffed with a Lieutenant, the department's Safety Officer, who works to ensure Public Safety complies with California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) regulations, City policies, and other applicable standards and laws. Additionally, this Unit conducts employee safety training, facility inspections, and operates as an advisor for making and implementing needed safety corrections.

The Unit also processes, tracks, and monitors injuries/illness to ensure proper medical services are provided and employees are returned to full duty in a timely manner. If employees are medically cleared for light duty, they are temporarily reassigned to tasks within Public Safety until they are able to return to their essential duties; thus minimizing Workers Compensation costs. The Unit also facilitates the handling of claims, and serves as an advocate for injured employees.

Training Unit

The Training Unit is responsible for developing, scheduling, and presenting Public Safety training for sworn and civilian employees. The unit utilizes various training techniques and sites to ensure the best learning environment possible, depending on specific needs or courses and our employees. Advanced officer training consists of law enforcement courses and updates, perishable skills training, basic evolutions in fire fighting and rescue operations, and Emergency Medical Services. Academy and entry level training is primarily conducted at both POST certified Police Academies and County Joint Fire Academies.

Internal Affairs

Mission Statement

The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for receiving and investigating
allegations of misconduct from members of the public or through internal channels regarding Public Safety employees. It is the policy of this Department that such complaints be received in a courteous and professional manner. The purpose of the Internal Affairs Unit is to insure that the integrity of the Department is maintained through a system of internal discipline where
objectivity, fairness and justice are assured by thorough and impartial investigation.

Our employees must be committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity and be committed to respecting the rights and dignity of every member of our community. Since our department is committed to providing high quality police and fire service, we encourage recommendations from the public on ways to improve our services. We welcome commendations for personnel who perform their duties exceptionally and encourage inquiries and complaints about questionable performance, actions, policies and procedures.

Complaint Process Information

Any person can file a complaint against an employee of Public Safety. A complaint/allegation may be made in person, anonymously, by phone, letter, e-mail or fax. An allegation is an unproven accusation that a member of Public Safety violated Department or City policy procedure, rules, regulations, or the law.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)

How is an allegation of misconduct accepted? An allegation will be accepted by phone, letter, e-mail, fax anonymously, or in person.

Who conducts the investigation? Minor complaints that do not allege misconduct or neglect of duty will be handled by supervisory personnel holding the rank of Lieutenant or above. All other matters with more serious implications will be handled by the Internal Affairs Unit.

How is an allegation proven? An allegation is sustained by a preponderance of the evidence. Preponderance means proof that more likely than not the alleged conduct occurred.

How much time does it take to complete a case? According to the Peace Officers Bill or Rights Government Code Section 3304, allegations against Public Safety Officers must be completed within one year of the received date.

How will a member of the public be notified of the case outcome? After the case is completed and review by the Chief of Public Safety, a letter will be sent to the complainant.

What is the definition of an allegation, misconduct, and complaint? An allegation is an unproven accusation that a member of Public Safety violated Department or City policy procedure, rules, regulations, or the law. Misconduct is an act or omission by a member of Public Safety that is a
violation of Department or City policy, procedure, rules, regulations, or the law, which if proven true may result in disciplinary action. A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction that contains an allegation, which if proven to be true, demonstrates misconduct.

When receiving a letter, what are the potential findings of a case? The findings include; Unfounded, Exonerated, Not Sustained, Sustained or No Finding.

If an allegation is sustained, will discipline information be provided in the letter? No, state law prohibits the release of this information.