Professional Standards - Coastal Carolina University
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Professional Standards

YOUR COMPLIMENT OR COMPLAINT IS IMPORTANT

The Coastal Carolina University Department of Public Safety and its members are aware of the important responsibilities and duties, they have as public servants and law enforcement officers. We operate under the constitutional guarantees afforded to everyone and under the laws that govern us all.

In addition, we must maintain trust and integrity within the community we serve. As an organization, the Agency works diligently to provide the highest level of quality service. Policing is a very difficult and complex job in today's society, and we realize that mistakes can be made and that the actions of our personnel may fall short of your expectations. The courteous receipt of complaints, thorough an impartial investigation and just disposition of complaints are important in maintaining the high level of service and confidence from our community that we aim to achieve. Citizen participation in the compliment/complaint process is critical to achieving these goals. We are committed to accepting and investigating complaints regarding the actions and performance of any member of our Agency.

FILING A COMPLIMENT OR COMPLAINT

A compliment/complaint may be filed with the Agency by calling 843-349-2177 and asking to speak to a supervisor or the Chief of Police, in person at 255 University Blvd, Conway, SC 29526, or via email at safety@coastal.edu.

The Agency has developed a "Compliment/Complaint Form" that will guide you in supplying the information generally needed for us to conduct an effective investigation. The form is available in person at the CCU Department of Public Safety.

If you need assistance in filling out the form or want to speak with someone personally about your compliment/complaint, request to speak to an officer. If you want to make a complaint in person but are not able to travel or are not comfortable doing so, contact the Agency at 843-349-2177. Whichever method you choose to file your complaint, please provide all information you have that would assist us in the investigation, including:

  • Date, time, and location of the incident. 
  • Names, badge numbers, and/or car numbers of the Agency personnel involved. 
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses. 

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

The Agency generally requires that complaint investigations be completed within 45 days of receipt of the complaint. The Chief of Police may extend that time due to circumstances that prevent completion of the investigation, such as difficulties in locating witnesses or evidence. You may contact the department at any time while your complaint is pending to check on the status of your complaint.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE INVESTIGATION IS COMPLETE?

The Chief of Police will review each complaint investigation. After reviewing the case, the Chief of Police will decide if the facts and evidence warrants disciplinary charges against a member of the department or if other corrective action should be taken.

YOUR RIGHTS AFTER THE INVESTIGATION

You will be notified of the findings and disposition of your complaint. Please be sure to keep the Agency informed of any change in your address or contact information. If you are dissatisfied with the disposition of your complaint, you may make an appointment with the Chief of Police to discuss the complaint disposition.

Please note: While the department encourages citizens to report legitimate complaints of misconduct, filing a false report is a violation of the law. South Carolina Code of Law, Section: 16-17-722.