Compliments
To file a compliment on Division personnel call the Columbus, Ohio Division of Police Patrol Office at (614) 645-4580 and ask to speak with the Patrol Administrative Sergeant. You can also choose to send an email to Compliments@columbuspolice.org with your compliment.
Introduction to the Complaint System
The Columbus Division of Police is
committed to providing quality service to all
individuals in the City of Columbus.
Our work impacts the quality of life in our
community. To show our promise to fairness,
all employees are sworn to uphold the
Division’s police code of ethics, rules,
policies, directives, and orders as well as all
city, state, and federal laws that relate to their
employment.
Complaints
The citizen complaint system is designed to
provide people with a way to express their
concerns about police service. This system
provides a fair, factual, and objective review of an individual’s concern.
NOTE: Complaints about the underlying
reason for a traffic citation or criminal arrest
must be resolved by the court and cannot be
investigated as a complaint against a Division
of Police employee.
Citizen Complaint Pamphlet
How to File a Complaint
First, decide what you think the employee did
wrong. For example, do you believe:
• An officer used too much force during an arrest?
• An employee was rude to you?
• An officer violated your rights?
• You are a victim of racial profiling?
All complaints should be filed within 60 days
of the incident, unless there are special
circumstances. Complaints filed immediately
improve the investigator’s chance of gathering
factual information.
To file a complaint, contact the Division of
Police by one of the following methods:
• Telephone: Call (614) 645-4880, 24
hours a day. You will speak to a
supervisor who will review your complaint. If your complaint needs an
immediate response to collect evidence
or witness statements, an Internal
Affairs or Division supervisor will be
sent to the incident location.
• In Person: You can file your complaint
in person at 750 E. Long Street between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM
daily. You can speak directly with an Internal Affairs supervisor or complete a
citizen complaint form.
• Mail/Fax/Email: You can send a
written complaint by mail, fax, or email.
It is important to include your
name, address, and phone number so
we can contact you about your complaint.
Columbus Division of Police
Internal Affairs Bureau
750 E. Long Street
Columbus, OH 43203
Fax: (614) 645-4079
Website: www.columbuspolice.org
Email:
IABDeskSgt@columbuspolice.org
Upon reviewing your complaint, the
supervisor may be able to explain the
employee’s actions to your satisfaction, or
refer you to a supervisor who can. If this is the
case, the matter will be closed. If your
complaint needs to be investigated, it will be
given to an investigator who will contact you
within 72 hours. If you have not been
contacted within 72 hours, please call
(614) 645-4880 to make sure the investigator
has your correct contact information.
Investigation of Your Complaint
The investigator will conduct a detailed
investigation of the incident and gather
statements from you and witnesses. Your
assistance is expected and additional
information may be needed. If the accusation
is serious, you may be asked to take a
polygraph test. This does not mean the investigator thinks you are lying, but wants to
further prove the truthfulness of your accusation. When the investigation is complete, the investigator will give a written report to the
involved employee’s chain of command.
Their recommendations will be reviewed by a
Deputy Chief and he/she will decide the appropriate outcome.
Outcome of Your Complaint
You will receive a letter by mail stating the
outcome of your complaint. Please be aware
that a detailed investigation and review of the
facts can take time. You may not be notified
about the final outcome for several weeks. If
the complaint requires an extensive
investigation, it may take even longer. The investigator will keep you informed of the
status and advise you of any unusual delays.
Most investigations are completed within 90
days after filing the complaint.
Outcome Findings
Your investigation will result in one of the
following findings:
Sustained – The accusation is supported by
a preponderance of the evidence. Depending on the severity of the action, a sustained finding may result in
disciplinary action.
Not Sustained – There is not enough evidence
to either prove or disprove the accusation.
Unfounded – The alledged conduct is refuted by a preponderance of the evidence.
Exonerated – The accusation is true, but the
action taken by the employee was legal and
appropriate for the situation.
Policy/Procedure – The accusation was
clearly about the proper use of an approved
Division policy, or by lawful order from a supervisor.
Cancelled for Cause – The alleged misconduct could not have occurred or the person named in the complaint is not a Division employee. (or) The complainant is identified as a chronic complainer or appears to have a mental deficiency and fails to provide any credible or plausible evidence of misconduct warranting further investigation.
Unable to Resolve – There is not enough information to complete an investigation.
Not Investigated – The allegation was received from an anonymous source and does not contain corroborative evidence nor can corroborative evidence be reasonably obtained. (or) The allegation was received more than 60 days after the alleged incident, is not potentially criminal in nature, or is not serious misconduct that could result in termination.
Withdrawn – The complainant retracted the allegation(s) through either a verbal or written statement.
Appealing the Outcome of Your Complaint
If you are not satisfied with the decision regarding your complaint, you may file an appeal by contacting the Deputy Chief of the involved employee. Contact must be made within 14 days of receiving the outcome letter. The letter will contain the name and phone number of the appropriate Deputy Chief. Your appeal should describe any further information you have that may change the Deputy Chief’s decision.
False Complaints
The Division of Police is committed to investigating concerns of employee misconduct. Officers can be targets of false complaints by people who seek revenge on them for doing their job. The Ohio Revised Code makes it a misdemeanor of the first degree to knowingly file a false complaint of misconduct against a peace officer. The Division feels that people need to know the law exists and that when appropriate, the charge will be filed against violators of this law. Please remember, it is not only expensive to investigate false complaints, but can also affect an officer’s career. This information is given not to keep people from filing complaints but to inform them of the law.
To contact the Bureau by mail: Columbus Division of Police Bureau hours:
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To contact the Bureau by phone: For a complaint or a concern against Division personnel - (614) 645-4880 For a compliment - (614) 645-4580 Main office - (614) 645-4745 To Contact The Bureau by E-Mail: |
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