Public Safety Complaints

Complaints Against Police or Fire Employees 

Complaints against members of the Pantego Police Department (PPD) and Pantego Fire Department (PFD) including racial profiling or any other allegation of wrongdoing shall be taken seriously. The Town of Pantego takes all complaints seriously and will thoroughly investigate each complaint received and notify the complainant of the outcome.

Who can make a complaintAny person who believes they have been the victim of unprofessional or illegal treatment or who believes that they have been subjected to racial profiling by any public safety or law enforcement official is urged to file a complaint in the form most convenient — whether that be email, postal mail, in-person, via telephone, or by fax. Contact information is below. Other persons may be asked to provide statements as witnesses during the investigation process.

What is Racial ProfilingAs defined by Texas Law, "racial profiling" means a law enforcement-initiated action based on an individual's race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than on the individual's behavior or on information identifying the individual as having engaged in criminal activity.”

How do I make a complaintWhen a citizen has a complaint against a police or fire employee (sworn or civilian), they may contact the Chief of that department (see below). Complaints that are relatively minor in nature will be directed to the employee's supervisor. Allegations of serious misconduct, including racial profiling, will be forwarded to the Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Department. Texas Law requires that all complaints against public safety officers, which may result in disciplinary action, be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint. This may not be required for complaints of misconduct that are less serious. All complaints should be made within thirty (30) days of the incident unless special circumstances exist. 

What happens when a complaint is upheldWhen the investigation finds that the charges the employee are true, the Chief of Public Safety notifies the employee and may take one of the following actions:

  • verbal or written reprimand
  • suspension (with or without pay)
  • demotion
  • termination
  • other action(s) allowable under controlling statutes, regulations, and policies

What happens when a complaint is not upheld? Complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. When the investigation cannot find the degree of evidence necessary to prove the employee acted improperly, the employee and the citizen are both notified in writing.

What are the consequences of filing a false complaintFiling a false complaint against a police or fire employee is a violation of the Texas Penal Code, Section 37.02. If a person knowingly and intentionally makes a false statement under oath or swears to the truth of a false statement previously made under oath, a person may be found guilty and punished by a fine of up to $4,000.00, confinement in jail for up to one year, or both.

What if you are not satisfied with the outcome? The complainant and/or the employee(s) may appeal to:

Fire Chief Randy Fulton
Pantego Fire Department
1614 S Bowen Road
Pantego, Texas 76013
Office: 817-617-3710
Fax: 817-861-3173

Police Chief Robert Rife
Pantego Police Department
2600 Miller Lane
Pantego, Texas 76013
Office: 817-617-3740
Fax: 817-617-3755

City Manager Joe Ashton
Pantego Town Hall
1614 S Bowen Road
Pantego, Texas 76013
Office: 817-617-3705
Fax: 817-617-3726



Main Menu
General Information
Phone Numbers
817-274-2511
Fax: 817-617-3755
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
2600 Miller Lane
Pantego,
TX
76013

Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.