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The OPC Complaint
Investigation Process
The Office of Police Complaints (OPC) has the authority to receive,
investigate, and resolve police misconduct complaints filed by the
public against MPDC officers. Complaint forms can be submitted in
person, by mail, by fax to (202) 727-9182, or by dropping forms
off at any MPDC district station.
Step
1
Once a completed, signed complaint form is received, OPC reviews
the complaint to confirm that it falls within the agency’s
jurisdiction.
Step
2
If the complaint is within OPC’s jurisdiction, most complaints
are assigned to one of OPC’s investigators. OPC also may refer
the complaint to mediation, which involves a confidential, face-to-face
meeting between the complainant and the subject officer that is
guided by a neutral third party who is trained to conduct mediation,
and who assists the parties to work together to reach a mutually-agreeable
resolution of the complaint.
Step
3
If the complaint is investigated, an investigator will interview
witnesses, collect documents, and prepare a report summarizing the
investigation.
Step
4
Based on the outcome of the investigation, OPC may dismiss the complaint,
or, if the investigation indicates that police misconduct may have
occurred, the complaint will be referred to an independent complaint
examiner, who will issue a written decision.
Step
5
OPC notifies the complainant and subject officer of the decision
regarding the complaint, and if the complaint is sustained, it is
forwarded to the Chief of Police for imposition of discipline. You
will be notified of the discipline and may respond to it in writing
to the Chief of Police.
Citizen
Complaints
Use
of Force Issues
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