Professional Standards

South Hadley Police Department Professional Standards and Accountability Statement

A relationship of trust and confidence between the employees of the South Hadley Police Department and the community is essential to the successful accomplishment of law enforcement objectives.  All police employees are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect favorably upon themselves, the Department and the Town of South Hadley.    The integrity of the Department depends on the personal integrity and discipline of each employee.  An effective Professional Standards and Internal Affairs Function ensure that the rights of all community members are protected and that police officers be free to exercise their best judgment and to initiate action in a reasonable, lawful, impartial manner without fear of reprisal.

The objectives of a Professional Standards Inquiry and Internal Affairs investigation are:

• Protection of the public;
• Protection of the employee;
• Protection of the Department;
• Removal of unfit personnel;
• Correction of procedural problems.
• Address training deficiencies

It is the policy of the South Hadley Police Department to:

• Investigate all complaints against the department or a member of the department, regardless of the source of such complaints, through a regulated, fair, and impartial Internal Affairs Program;
• Determine whether or not such complaints are valid; and
• Take appropriate action.

Professional Standards Inquiries (PSI) – violations of conduct, rules & regulations, policies and procedures.

Internal Affairs – criminal complaints shall be defined as alleged violations of state or federal criminal statutes.

Internal Administrative Investigation – a term used to include both Professional Standards Inquiries and Internal Affairs Investigations.

Print, view or download the South Hadley Police Professional Standards and Internal Affairs Policy.

Print, view or download the South Hadley Police Professional Standards and Internal Investigations Complaint Form.

All Professional Standard inquires will be directed to the Chief of Police, Jennifer Gundersen, either via mail (South Hadley Police Department, 41 Bridge St., South Hadley, MA  01075) email or telephone at 413-538-8231 x 4301.  Inquiries regarding the actions of the Chief of Police will be directed to the South Hadley Town Administrator, Lisa Wong, either via mail (South Hadley Town Hall, 116 Main St., South Hadley, MA  01075), email or telephone 413-538-5017 x 6136