Who Can Submit a Complaint?
Anyone that has a concern about the practices or personnel of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

How Do I File a Complaint?
The easiest way to file a complaint is to fill out the write-able form located at the following link 106 – Citizen Complaint Form then send the form by regular mail to the address identified in the next paragraph, attention Internal Affairs. If you select this option, the from must be notarized prior to submission.
You may also file your complaint in person at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center located at 4917 U.S. Highway 90 East, Lake City, Florida 32055. When you arrive a member will provide you with a Citizens Complaint form. Sheriff’s Office personnel can notarize the form once you complete it.

Is Every Complaint Investigated?
It is the policy of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to investigate all allegations and complaints of misconduct against any member of the agency. In order to allow proper adherence to the provisions of this policy we request that you file your concerns within thirty (30) calendar days of the incident which will assist us in resolving disputes and facilitate prompt and equitable corrective action (where applicable).

Making False Complaints:
While the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is committed to processing valid citizen complaints against Sheriff’s Office members, we are also cognizant that there are some individuals who may make a false complaint against an agency employee. We caution any citizen that might make such a false allegation that you may find yourself criminally charged under any of the following Florida statutes:
Florida Statute 837.06 False Official Statements
Florida Statute 837.012 Perjury When Not in an Official Proceeding
Florida Statute 837.02 Perjury in Official Proceedings
Florida Statute 837.021 Perjury by Contradictory Statements.

Note:
A complainant nor the Sheriff’s Office may not publicly discuss the facts of an internal investigation during the time it is open.