Citizen Information

Staff Commendations

Everyone enjoys receiving recognition for their efforts. Commendations, either verbal or written, are one of the best ways to let someone know you appreciate their work. A commendation for an employee of the Napa County Probation Department is most often sent to the Chief Probation Officer. You may also advise the employee’s supervisor. Your comments can be made in person, by telephone, or by completing the Staff Commendation form.

A commendation may address any event that you deem noteworthy on the part of an employee whom you believe should be recognized. This may range from the display of unusual courtesy or compassion to significant life-saving measures or heroic acts. We are interested in hearing about your observations of any commendable act or behavior.

All commendations are formally documented and the affected employees will be notified. A commendation takes only a few minutes to write or communicate. It can go a long way to let the personnel of the Napa County Probation Department know how you feel about them and their service. 

Citizen Complaints

The Napa County Probation Department believes that a relationship of confidence and trust with the public is essential to effective law enforcement. Public safety officers must be free to exercise their best judgment and to initiate law enforcement action in a reasonable, lawful and impartial manner without fear of reprisal. So, too, enforcers of the law have a special obligation under the laws of this state and the Constitution of the United States to meticulously respect the rights of all persons.

The department acknowledges its responsibility to establish a system of complaint and disciplinary procedures which will subject public safety officers to corrective action when they conduct themselves improperly, but also to protect them from unwarranted criticism when they discharge their duties properly.

To this end, the department welcomes constructive criticism of the department and its procedures, as well as valid complaints against its members. It is the policy of the Probation Department to diligently investigate all personnel complaints in a fair and impartial nature.

How to File a Complaint

Any member of the community who is aware of misconduct by any member of the department (i.e. sworn or non-sworn) may file a “Citizen’s Complaint.” The complaint may be made at any time to any member of the department. Complaints of misconduct will be accepted and recorded on a “Citizen’s Complaint” form available at all Napa County Probation Department offices or via the online form. 

Persons under 18 years of age may make complaints, but we ask that a parent or guardian be present when a formal complaint is filed.

The person receiving the complaint will ask you to provide as much information as possible.

Investigation

The complaint will then be investigated in a timely and professional manner. The investigation consists of taking formal statements from all persons concerned and the collection and perseveration of any physical evidence or other information related to the incident. Each allegation is examined on its own merits in an objective manner.