The process may be as simple as making a few phone calls, or it may require extensive fact-finding, interviews, analysis of latent evidence and a cooperative effort among several agencies and departments. Regardless, each complaint deserves the full resources available to achieve a proper resolution.
Investigation begins when the initial complaint or request for service is received.
Generally, a Patrol Officer will try to gather as much information as may be available at the time the matter is brought to his or her attention. This normally includes the name of the complainant, the location of the complaint or incident, the nature of the incident or service requested, a time frame pertinent to the incident, and any other information which is relevant to providing service or resolution. Because of the time constraints placed on Patrol Officers by their myriad duties, unless a resolution can be achieved relatively quickly, Officers prepare a written report for later review and action by the Department Investigator. If the matter is indeed resolved at the time of the complaint or request for service, it will still be documented for the Department's records and review. Our primary mission within this private institution is to serve the Dartmouth community and to insure its safety and welfare to the best of our ability.