We at the Oxnard Police Department are constantly striving to provide the highest quality service in a courteous and professional manner. Those that we serve are an important source of information and feedback about the quality of our service. Also, unfortunately, in the course of police operations, conflicts or misunderstandings can arise between Police Department employees and community members. Recognizing these facts, we have an established procedure that permits members of the community to report Police Department employee conduct that they feel is exemplary, or unprofessional. If you feel that a member of the Oxnard Police Department has acted in a commendable manner or has acted improperly, a Citizen Commendation / Complaint form is available.
The commendation/complaint procedure serves two purposes. First, we wish to give the community an opportunity to document their appreciation for the efforts of our employees. Second, this is a method to note Police Department employee conduct and to take corrective action when the circumstances justify it. The citizen’s complaint procedure will not be used as a means for reducing or dropping a criminal or traffic charge. It is a formal, administrative procedure used by the police administration to ensure that community members are treated properly, with respect, and are receiving quality service.
We also encourage community members to contact the Watch Commander or a supervisor. Watch Commanders are available 24 hours a day at (805) 385-7746. Community members can request that the Police Department employee call a supervisor at the time of the incident. The Watch Commander or supervisor can often provide information that explains what occurred. If they cannot satisfactorily explain the conduct of a Police Department employee or a policy of this department, persons should submit a Citizen’s Commendation / Complaint form so that the incident may be investigated.
— Jason Benites, Chief of Police
Downloadable Resources
Citizen Commendation / Complaint
343.44 KB PDF | Updated 12/30/24
Citizen Complaint Policy
30.9 KB PDF | Updated 12/30/24
Common Questions
In person:
- Contact the Watch Commander at (805) 385-7746
- The Police Station is located at 251 South ‘C’ Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
By phone:
- Call the Watch Commander at (805) 385-7746
By email to our Professional Standards Division:
- Commander Ricardo Vazquez (Professional Standards Commander) @ [email protected]
- Sergeant Miguel Serrato (Internal Affairs Sergeant) @ [email protected]
- Sergeant Scott Aaron (Internal Affairs Sergeant) @ [email protected]
Submit an online form.
In writing:
- Download the Commendation / Complaint form.
- Deliver / mail to: Oxnard Police Department Internal Affairs / 251 South ‘C’ Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
Download the form here: Commendation / Complaint Form
Obtain a hardcopy at any of the following locations:
Oxnard Police Department Headquarters (251 South ‘C’ Street)
Oxnard Police Storefronts:
- 365 East Esplanade Drive #201
- 201 Carmelita Court (La Colonia Storefront)
- 2687 South ‘C’ Street (West side of the Centerpoint Mall)
- 1653 Pacific Avenue #312
- 5300 South ‘J’ Street (Club Pacifica Apartments)
- 2744 Seaglass Way (The Collection Shopping Center)
- 326 South ‘B’ Street
Oxnard’s Public Libraries:
- 251 South ‘A’ Street (Oxnard Main Library)
- 1500 Camino Del Sol #26 (La Colonia Library)
- 4300 Saviers Road (Oxnard South Library)
The law requires it. California Penal Code Section 832.5(a)(1) states: Each department or agency in this state that employs peace officers shall establish a procedure to investigate complaints by members of the public against the personnel of these departments or agencies, and shall make a written description of the procedure available to the public.
Our policy on the citizen complaint procedures can be found in the department’s policy manual. Click here to view it.