Under what circumstances are third-party complaints allowed?

Third-party complaints are typically allowed when the complainant is a minor and a parent or guardian is making the complaint on their behalf. This recognizes that minors may not have the capacity to fully advocate for themselves in legal or potentially intimidating situations. Thus, allowing a parent or guardian to file a complaint ensures that the minor's rights and experiences are represented and addressed appropriately within the legal framework.

In circumstances outside of this, such as with serious criminal offenses or overwhelming evidence, third-party complaints are not automatically accepted. It is not standard procedure for complaints to be filed based solely on severity or the strength of evidence without the proper authority or relationship, which would impair the rights and integrity of the involved parties. Approval from the police department does not inherently allow third-party complaints, as the focus is on the relationship between the complainant and the person making the complaint on their behalf.