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was faulty, but given the breadth of the cases and complexity of the <br />problems, the EPD was limited in terms of resources devoted to the cases. An <br />outside review would undoubtedly have the effect of increasing public <br />confidence as well. <br /> <br />Recommendation No. 55: The intake process and coding of complaints needs <br />to be formally established and clarified. <br /> <br />Discussion: The EPD has made great strides in establishing the requirement <br />to number and track all inquiries along with complaints. This captures much <br />needed information useful for policy review, future training, and public <br />education. This is only a first step. The department should consider the <br />creation of a formal early warning system (EWS). An EWS is a non- <br />disciplinary system designed to track complaints made against officers. A <br />well-designed EWS collects information about all allegations and complaints <br />lodged with the department, regardless if sustained or not. Thresholds are <br />established to alert managers to officers who may be at risk or who might <br />benefit from outside assistance. For example, one system design might raise <br />an alert when an officer has been the subject of four discourtesy complaints in <br />a six-month period. Even if none of the cases were sustained, the system <br />quietly alerts key managers that there may be a problem outside of realm of <br />discipline. It may indicate a need for training or perhaps simply a discussion <br />to see if the officer could benefit from an employee assistance referral. Again, <br />strictly not disciplinary in any way, the intent is to intervene before a more <br />significant problem develops. <br /> <br />Recommendation No. 56: All personnel assigned to the IA function must <br />receive comprehensive training on how to conduct internal investigations, <br /> <br /> 84 <br /> <br /> <br />