Which finding indicates that the alleged misconduct did occur but the officer's behavior was justified?

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

Answer: (C)

When an investigation finds that the alleged misconduct did occur but the officer’s behavior was justified, the finding is exoneration. This means the event happened, but the actions taken were within policy and appropriate given the circumstances. It’s different from unfounded, where there’s no evidence the act occurred, and from unsubstantiated, where there isn’t enough evidence to confirm or deny whether the act occurred. It also isn’t a punishment—discipline would follow if the behavior were found unjustified or outside policy.