TPWD Office of Internal Affairs

Due to Covid-19 and the strain on TPWD resources, Internal Affairs will only be handling complaints regarding alleged employee misconduct at this time. Any complaints regarding State Park facilities or business may be directed to TPWDCustomer.Service@tpwd.texas.gov.

Overview

The Office of Internal Affairs was established in 1991 and is a fact-finding entity with the task of protecting the public, the employees and TPWD through a consistent and thorough investigative process. Internal Affairs investigates allegations of serious policy violations and/or illegal acts, incidents involving the discharge of firearms resulting in injury or death and special investigations assigned by the Executive Director. It is also the responsibility of Internal Affairs to provide executive protection and security for TPW Commissioners, the Executive Director and other dignitaries as assigned. Assistance on internal audits is provided upon request.

Internal Affairs is a unit of the Executive Director’s staff and is composed of the Director of Internal Affairs, two investigators (captains), two forensic fraud auditors, and one administrative technician. Areas of responsibility include:

Formal Complaint Investigations, Administrative Inquiries, Firearm Discharge Investigations, Legal Inquiries, Criminal Investigations, and reviewing Personnel Investigations at the request of the Human Resources Division.

Mission

The Office of Internal Affairs’ mission is to independently, objectively and expeditiously investigate alleged misconduct by TPWD employees. Investigators are charged with seeking the truth to protect the public, the accused employee and the department. All investigations will be conducted with discipline and impartiality assuring fair and just findings.

Standards

The core standards of Internal Affairs are those principles which form the foundation of Internal Affairs’ work and conduct.

Ethics: uphold the highest possible standards of ethical policing; perform all duties impartially, without favor or affection or ill will and without regard to status, sex, race, age, disability, religion, political belief, or aspiration
Excellence: aspire to the highest quality in all activities and perform to the very best of capacities and exceed expectations
Integrity: act with honesty, honor and transparency; never compromising the truth
Professionalism: provide a high quality of ethics, courtesy, fairness and objectivity
Respect: operate in the spirit of cooperation with team members, employees, partners, and the public with courtesy, compassion and sensitivity

Authority

In accordance with Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 11, Subchapter B, Section 11.0174 (PWC §11.0174), the Executive Director shall establish the office of Internal Affairs and appoint the head or Director of the office.

Internal Affairs has departmental jurisdiction over all investigations of cases alleging criminal conduct 1) occurring on department property; 2) engaged in by on-duty TPWD employees; or 3) engaged in by commissioned officers performing off-duty work related to their official duties. The Director of Internal Affairs reports directly to the Executive Director.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ's PDF

Complaint Investigation and Resolution

Non-TPWD Employees

How to File a General Complaint

Persons who are not TPWD employees and who wish to initiate a formal complaint concerning any aspect of TPWD operations should submit the complaint in writing to the Executive Office, Office of Internal Affairs. It is the goal of Internal Affairs to resolve cases within 90 days when possible. Please review the FAQ's before starting the formal complaint process.