Professional Standards

The St. Joseph Police Department encourages citizens to report legitimate complaints of inadequate police services or police misconduct. The Professional Standards Office is committed to facilitating the department's integrity system by administering an internal system in which objectivity and fairness are assured by an impartial investigation and review of all issues brought forth. 

The office is responsible for conducting background investigations of police applicants, reviewing use-of-force incidents, vehicle pursuits, and investigations of citizen complaints.

To contact Captain Kerns, or to request a statistical survey regarding professional standards or internal affairs investigations, please call 271-4780 or email.

Professional Standards investigates complaints against St. Joseph Police employees and maintains records pertaining to those investigations.

How to File a Complaint

A complaint concerning a St. Joseph Police employee may be filed with the department in the following ways:

  • Complaint Form
  • Go to the Professional Standards Office, 501 Faraon Street, during business hours, 8am through 4pm Monday through Friday
    • Speak with a Supervisor
    • Speak with Professional Standards, or
    • Complete a hand written complaint form located in the City Lobby
  • Call the Professional Standards Office at (816) 271-4709
  • After business hours call and request to speak to a patrol supervisor at (816) 271-4722 or dispatch at (816) 271-4777
  • Write a letter to the Professional Standards: Captain Brad Kerns
    501 Faraon Street
    St. Joseph, MO 64501

Compliment an Officer/Member

Commendation Form to send a commendation.

Use of Force Reports

View Use of Force reports.