Complaints of bias-based policing shall be handled by whom?

• A. The Sheriff
• B. The deputy's immediate supervisor
• C. Internal Affairs
• D. Public Defender

Answer: (B)

Handling bias-based policing complaints starts with the deputy’s immediate supervisor because they’re the first manager in the officer’s chain of command to receive and review the report. This position allows for prompt acknowledgment and initial fact-finding, ensuring the complaint is taken seriously and handled fairly within the local context of the incident. The supervisor collects relevant information, interviews involved parties if needed, and assesses whether the issue represents a policy or training concern or a potential misconduct matter. If the review suggests a formal issue, the supervisor escalates the matter to Internal Affairs for a formal investigation. The Sheriff provides overall leadership and policy direction, but the day-to-day handling of such complaints begins with the immediate supervisor. Public Defender has no role in policing complaints.