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The MPD Complaint
Investigation Process
A citizen
complaint may be submitted to either the Metropolitan Police Department
(MPDC) or the Office
of Police Complaints (OPC). The process for how a complaint
is handled by the MPDC is as follows:
Step
1
The complaint is filed with the MPDC.
Step
2
The MPDC official responsible for investigating the complaint contacts
you to let you know he or she is investigating it. If necessary,
the official will obtain additional information.
Step
3
The complaint is investigated–witnesses and the officer against
whom the complaint is filed are interviewed. The officer is entitled
to know the complainant’s name and the nature of the complaint.
Step
4
Investigation is completed and one of the following conclusions
is made:
- Sustained
- The incident is determined to have occurred and an assessment
is made to determine the level of discipline to be imposed upon
the officer.
- Insufficient
Facts
– There are not enough facts to prove whether the incident
occurred or not.
- Exonerated
- The incident occurred, but the officer did not violate any law
or MPDC regulations.
- Unfounded
– The investigation determines that the incident did not
occur.
Step
5
You are notified of the outcome of the investigation. If you do
not agree with it, you may appeal the decision in writing by sending
a letter to the Chief of Police at 300 Indiana Ave., NW, Room 5080,
Washington, DC 20001.
Citizen
Complaints
Use
of Force Issues
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