Catawba Nation Tribal Police Department

CNTPD FOIA Records Request
The Catawba Nation Tribal Police Department (CNTPD) is committed to transparency and timely communication in accordance with South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), as outlined in Chapter 4, Title 30 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

Key FOIA Guidelines:

1. What qualifies as a public record? Any book, paper, map, photograph, recording, or other material—regardless of format—prepared, owned, used, or retained by a public body. (Section 30-4-20)
2. Your right to access records: Individuals have the right to inspect, copy, or receive electronic copies of public records.(Section 30-4-30)
3. Exceptions: Certain records are exempt from disclosure. These are listed in
   Section 30-4-40.
4. Timelines:
   • A written request must receive a response within 10 business days.
   • If approved, records will be provided within 30 business days following that response.
5. Full FOIA Law: You can view the complete law at SC Code of Laws, Title 30, Chapter 4.

CNTPD Records Policy:
CNTPD makes every effort to process public records requests efficiently. Please note that requests may be denied if they involve documents related to an active investigation. You will be notified once your request has been reviewed and processed.
How to Submit a Request:
You may submit your request in one of the following ways:

• Phone: 839.232.1199
• Email: Karen.McClure@Catawba.com
• Mail or In-Person:
  Catawba Nation Tribal Police Department
  996 Avenue of the Nations
  Rock Hill, SC 29730
  Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Catawba Nation Tribal Police Department strives to be a trusted and progressive law enforcement agency committed to safeguarding our community and upholding the principles of justice, integrity, and cultural preservation. Through proactive policing, community engagement, and the pursuit of excellence, we envision a future where the Catawba Nation thrives in safety, harmony, and empowerment, fostering a strong and resilient tribal community that honors its heritage, protects its people, and embraces collaboration for a brighter tomorrow.

We encourage citizens to recommend improvements regarding our service. We welcome commendations of Police Department personnel who admirably perform their duties. We also investigate any complaints or concerns about the personnel performance or actions.

Procedures for Registering a Commendation or Complaint
If you wish to commend an officer or an employee, or if you feel that an officer or an employee has acted improperly, you may register a commendation or complaint in the following ways:

• Completed forms may be emailed to: command@catawba.com


• At any time, come to the front desk of the Catawba Nation Tribal Police Department located at the lower-level rear of the Longhouse, 996 Avenue of the Nations, Rock Hill, South Carolina. Request to speak with a supervisor or a representative from the Command Staff. Staff will assist in supplying the proper form (i.e., commendation or complaint). These forms can be picked up Monday through Friday from 8am - 4pm.


• If you cannot come to the Police Department, and you feel that you must speak to a supervisor immediately, call us on 839-232-1199, and you will be assisted.


• You may also mail your form to:
  Catawba Nation Tribal Police Department
  Attn/Command Staff
  996 Avenue of The Nations
  Rock Hill, SC 29730

Commendations
We encourage our officers and employees to be "service oriented." Therefore, there is no greater recognition for them than to be complimented for their excellent service by a citizen.
Commendations can range from a citizen's letter to a formal written commendation. When providing commendation information in letter form, please describe the events or incident along with the officer's /employee's name(s). Let us know why they impressed you or how the employee assisted you. What action did they take that made the difference? Depending on the circumstances surrounding the events or incident, the employee's action will be considered and evaluated when deciding what level of recognition they will receive. The employee and their supervisor will be notified regarding the commendation received in all cases. The Tribal Police Chief will also receive the information, and a copy will be placed in the employee's personnel file.

We will notify each citizen that their commendation was received, and the action taken regarding the involved employee(s).

Commendation Recognition Nomination

Complaints
Complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Normally, less serious complaints are assigned to appropriate supervisors to investigate. However, complaints of a serious nature shall be turned over to the Office of Professional Standards/Internal Affairs for investigation.
After an investigation of a serious nature it is forwarded to the Command Staff for review. Afterward the Command Staff member responsible will finalize the review of the complaint. The Command Staff member will then present recommendations to the Tribal Police Chief for his review. The complaint will be categorized according to one of the following criteria:

• Unfounded: The complaint was not based on facts, as shown by the investigation, or the incident complained did not occur.
• Exonerated: The action reported did occur, but the investigation disclosed that the actions were reasonable, lawful, within policy and procedure and proper.
• Inconclusive: Insufficient evidence available to either prove or disprove the allegations of the compliant.
• Sustained: Investigation disclosed sufficient evidence to support the allegations of the complaint.

Depending on the above determination, appropriate action will be taken and the complainant shall be notified. The Catawba Nation Tribal Police Department has policy and procedures in place to address these concerns.

CNTPD Officer Complaint