If an employee needs to file a criminal complaint, who should they notify first?

When an employee needs to file a criminal complaint, the first notification should be made to the commanding officer. This is because the commanding officer is responsible for managing the operations and personnel within a specific command. They possess the authority to take appropriate action in response to the report of a criminal complaint, ensure that proper procedures are followed, and coordinate with law enforcement if necessary.

The commanding officer serves as the initial point of contact for employees in these situations. They will assess the situation and determine whether further escalation is needed, including notifying the precinct officer or other higher-ranking officials if the matter requires additional attention. Establishing this chain of notification is critical for maintaining order and ensuring that any complaints are addressed properly in accordance with departmental policies.