Who polices the police in Riley County?

The Riley County Police Department recognizes its responsibility to both itself and the public to thoroughly investigate all complaints of misconduct brought against members of the department. To accomplish this task the department has implemented an internal investigation procedure that provides for a diligent and systematic inquiry of complaints received. 

Graph showing internal complaints versus public complaints, 85% of complaints are internal

The Internal Affairs Investigation results are reported quarterly to the Law Board during public meetings and the annual report is posted on the department’s website here.

Graph showing internal complaints versus public complaints over the past 4 years

The Riley County Police Department has proactively provided this information for several years dating back to 2012. When evidence of criminal conduct is found, it is referred to others law enforcement agencies for investigation.

It is by the internal affair process that complaints are investigated to determine if policy violations occurred. If so, corrective measures are used to ensure quality law enforcement and preserve the community’s confidence in the department. The Riley County Police Department explicitly prohibits any form of biased-based behavior by any of its employees. 

If citizens are dissatisfied with the results of a biased-based policing internal investigation they have the option the option of filing a complaint with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.  You can find more information here. 

The Attorney General’s Office publishes statistics on the number of biased-based or racial profiling complaints made with every Kansas law enforcement agency. Each agency is required by law to submit this information annually.

Demographic information for Riley County in graph form, white 74.3%, Hispanic 10.2%, Black, 6.8%

The Department's Internal Affairs Office investigates citizen complaints regarding police department personnel or policies. A positive relationship between the police and the public they serve, fostered by confidence and trust is essential to effective law enforcement.

The Riley County Police Department welcomes criticism of the department and valid complaints against its members or procedures. The purpose of the Internal Affairs function is to ensure complete, fair, and impartial investigations of citizen complaints.

To see how the process works, go here.

Over 47,000 calls for service and only 20 complaints filed in 2022

The Riley County Police Department was formed in 1974. The founding statutes contained provisions that provide for oversight of RCPD by the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency – what is commonly referred to as the “Law Board.” The Law Board is comprised of seven individuals who represent various constituencies in Riley County.

The Law Board is responsible for the enforcement of law and the providing of police protection and is authorized (in part) to: Appoint and establish the salary and compensation of the Director; Determine the number of personnel positions within the agency; Hear and affirm or revoke the suspension or dismissal of law enforcement officers; Establish salaries for personnel; Authorize the acquisition of equipment and supplies necessary to operate the department; Adopt an annual budget and certify same to the Riley County Board of County Commissioners and Manhattan City Commission; Authorize expenditures; Adopt rules and regulations necessary for the operation of the Department; and perform other duties as provided by law.

The Law Board typically meets at noon in the Manhattan’s City Commission meeting room at 11th and Poyntz on the third Monday of each month, except when that Monday is a legal holiday. In those instances, the meeting is generally held on the following day at noon. Special meetings are also occasionally scheduled and advertised well in advance to address non-routine issues. All members of the public are invited to attend and an opportunity for public comment is scheduled during each meeting. Accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

Law Board meetings are live-streamed on our Facebook page here.

Read about current Law Board Members or find more information on this page.

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1. Who polices the police in Riley County?
2. Do Riley County Officers have the opportunity to go to counseling?
3. What steps are being taken to recruit and retain more Black and Hispanic police officers?
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