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The department has posted its policy on complaints and a detailed explanation of the complaint and investigation process on its website. This is clearly a valid practice and demonstrates the EPD's efforts to create a transparent process. There are alternative methods to submit complaints to accommodate those persons who are timid about making the complaint at a police facility.9 However, the website policy also indicates "The department routinely checks the police records of the people with whom we have contact, including people who file complaints. If a Police Officer has contact with you and is aware of a warrant, he/she is legally compelled to arrest you." The purpose of this statement is troubling. Anytime a police officer suspects a person may have an open warrant, a check should be made. However, to warn persons their participation in the complaint process could result in their arrest sends a discouraging message. Moreover, if there is a chance a wanted person could fall into the hands of the police for whatever the reason, wily would the department want to issue a warning for them to stay away? On a positive note, tile document encourages illegal immigrants to contact the department by openly stating that it is not the department's job to enforce immigration laws. If the department's emphasis is on working with the public to determine, and where needed, correct the quality of police service, there must be no obstacles placed in the way to discourage the public's ability to freely air issues. In the past, when a complaint was received, the supervisor assessed it immediately to determine if it was a complaint (a breach of policy) or an inquiry (a question about police procedure or policy). If it was determined to be a complainb it went to IA for review and assignment. Except for criminal or very serious matters handled by cri~ninal investigators or IA, most investigations (known as Blue Folders) were 9 An additional question could be asked; who determines or-because of a bias harbored due to the record of a complaint-who dismisses a complaint? Even criminals can have legitimate complaints. Only a proper and equitable decision on the front-end can make the system of receiving complaints fair to all who desire to file. A track record of frivolous complaints can be considered, however, it should be done so and dealt with accordingly after sufficient reason has been established. 76