Citizen Commendations & Complaints

The Orange Police Department is dedicated to providing quality police service to all citizens. Employees are carefully selected and trained to provide service to the community. This section gives an overview of ways to file a complaint against a Police Department employee or commend an officer for exemplary performance.

Filing a Complaint

When a citizen files a complaint against a Police Officer, the complaint is directed to the Orange Police Department, located at:
201 8th Street
Orange, TX 77630

A complaint may be filed with any supervisor at the department. Complaints can be made in person, by mail, or by phone at 409-8831026 at any time.

Department Policy

Department Policy requires that all formal complaints against police officers must be signed by the person making the complaint. Other persons, may give statements as witnesses. Internal Affairs Investigators will ensure that a thorough investigation of the complaint is conducted.

Just as citizens who are arrested must be told of the charges against them, a police officer must be given a copy of the complaint before any disciplinary action is taken. When the investigation is completed, you will be notified in writing of the results.

Complaints against civilian employees of the Orange Police Department should be made with that employee's immediate supervisor. Citizens may call 409-883-1026 to be directed to the appropriate supervisor.

Racial Profiling Complaints

CCP Art. 2.132 Law Enforcement Policy on Racial Profiling requires the department to provide public education on the racial profiling complaint process. For the Orange Police Department, the process to file a racial profiling complaint is the same as the department's complaint process described.

False Complaints

Filing a false complaint against a police officer is a violation of the Texas Penal Code, Section 37.02. A person commits an offense if intent to deceive and with knowledge of the statement's meaning: 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; or makes a false unsworn declaration under Chapter 132, Civil Practice and Remedies Code. An offense under this section is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000; confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year; or both such fine and confinement.

Upheld Complaints

When the investigation finds that the charges against the police officers are true, the Chief of Police notifies the officer and may take one of the following actions:

  • Reprimand the officer verbally or in writing
  • Suspend the officer without pay
  • Demote the officer
  • Discharge the officer

Police Officers may appeal the department's decision to uphold a complaint and the decision to discipline.

Complaints Not Upheld

Complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. When the investigation cannot find the degree of evidence necessary to prove the officer acted improperly, the complainant will be notified with a written letter.

Final Notification

Upon completion of the investigation, the complainant will receive a notification letter advising him/her of the results of the investigation. If the complaint is sustained, the complainant will not be advised of what disciplinary action was taken due to the employee's right to privacy.

Commendations for Excellence

Everyone likes to be recognized for outstanding performance if you would like to recognize an officer for doing a good job please write a letter to the employee's supervisor or the Chief of Police detailing the event at:
201 8th Street
Orange, TX 77630

You may also call the Orange Police Department at 409-883-1026 and ask to speak with the employee's supervisor and give them the information or submit a form online.

If you are unsure of the employee's name, describe the employee and list the specific actions or demeanor that impressed you. Mention the location, and date and time the incident occurred. Commendation letters are placed in the employee's permanent personnel file.