In police internal investigations, which outcome occurs when the investigation determines the complaint did not occur as alleged?

• A. Unfounded complaints
• B. Unsustained complaints
• C. Exoneration
• D. Punishments

Answer: (B)

Dispositions in internal investigations categorize whether allegations are proven, not proven, or cleared. When the investigation determines there isn’t enough evidence to support the allegation, the complaint is deemed unsustained. In that case, the claim isn’t substantiated, so there is no finding of misconduct and no discipline. This differs from unfounded, which would mean the complaint is false and did not occur as alleged. Exoneration means the officer’s conduct was lawful or proper, even if the event occurred. Punishments are reserved for substantiated misconduct. So the scenario described fits unsustained, where the evidence does not establish the claimed misconduct.