The mission of the Professional Standards Office is to maintain a superior level of professionalism and conduct throughout the Department. Through education, investigation, training and progressive discipline the department’s problems are addressed and resolved.

The Professional Standards Office is a central contact point for addressing citizen complaints. Many people believe their complaints will be addressed more rapidly if they contact City Hall, the Mayor, City Manager or Chief of Police. The Professional Standards Office conducts investigations of citizen complaints. By contacting an on-duty supervisor or the Professional Standards Office, the complaint procedure is started in a more timely manner. The on-duty supervisor resolves many minor complaints as soon as they are received. To talk with an on-duty supervisor, contact the Communications Center at 271-4777.

Sgt. Chris Black is the Professional Standards Officer. In addition to managing the Professional Standards Unit, Sgt. Black assists the Accreditation Manager, conducts research and planning, facilitates the hiring process, tracks and analyzes suspect resistance and officer use of force, and coordinates citizen requests for off-duty officer employment. To contact Sgt. Black, or to request a statistical survey regarding professional standards or internal affairs investigations, please call 271-4780. You may also e-mail him at cblack@ci.st-joseph.mo.us.