Complaints and Investigations

Filing a Complaint

Community members with complaints concerning the use of unreasonable or excessive force, discrimination, sexual harassment and/or sexual assault by on-duty Richmond police officers, need to contact the Community Police Review Commission.

All complaints should be filed in writing within 120 days of the alleged misconduct.  Complaints filed with the Community Police Review Commission must be in writing and signed by the person, or their guardian, making the complaint. View and print the English or Spanish complaint form.

Other Misconduct Complaints: Appeals from the Office of Professional Accountability

The Community Police Review Commission does not have original jurisdiction over other police misconduct complaints not listed above (such as being discourteous); however, it has jurisdiction through the appeal process.  Appeals of complaints filed with the Police Department's Office of Professional Accountability may be filed with the CPRC. Appeals must be filed within 10 days of the date the disposition letter is sent from the Police Chief.

Investigations Process

Complaints that are to be formally investigated by the Community Police Review Commission receive prompt, complete and comprehensive investigations.  The Community Police Review Commission reviews the investigative report and sends the complaint, along with its findings, and recommendations to the Police Chief who may decide to conduct his/her own investigation. If the Police Chief does not accept the recommendation of the Community Police Review Commission, the matter will be transferred to the City Manager for the final disposition. Persons filing complaints will be notified, in writing, of the disposition of their complaint.