When criminal misconduct is suspected, who must be contacted immediately?

• A. The commander of IA or designee
• B. The Sheriff
• C. The Chief of Patrol
• D. The Health Services Director

Answer: (A)

Immediate notification should go to the commander of Internal Affairs (IA) or their designee. Internal Affairs is the unit charged with handling investigations into misconduct by department personnel, so they are the appropriate and authorized point of contact to ensure the allegation is reviewed, investigated promptly, and handled with the proper procedures. This helps preserve evidence, prevents conflicts of interest, and allows for an impartial initiation of the investigation.

Calling the Sheriff, the Chief of Patrol, or the Health Services Director first would not align with the proper investigative pathway, since they do not manage internal misconduct investigations or have the designated authority to initiate and oversee them.