Where do I go to file a criminal (or for that matter, a civil) complaint?
2006-08-04 08:24:03 · 18 answers · asked by joe_devola 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
ok, thanks for the first round of answers. Now let me be more specific: How do I file a criminal complaint against a police officer? (and what if I don't trust the Internal Affairs department -- HOW can I trust IA?)
2006-08-04 08:40:53 · update #1
call the police
2006-08-04 08:27:27 · answer #1 · answered by Josh G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most police agencies handle complaints against their officers internally (Internal Affairs), however, sometimes a parallel agency will investigate certain issues (ie. LA County Sheriff investigate LAPD officer related shootings).
So the starting point is probably the police agency that the officer you want to complain about works for.
You should also know that records are kept by the department on all the officers and all the complaints that have been made against them...
Often times a criminal defense attorney (if they know what they are doing) can get records of cops that have acted in a way that other people complained about them...
So be warned, if you do make a complaint (GOOD FOR YOU) but you may be contacted in the future to describe what the cop did wrong in your case.
For more info, visit: www.lacd.com
2006-08-06 21:49:10 · answer #2 · answered by Omar Abukurah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A criminal complaint may be given to any police officer, but most departments want you to come to the department to file it if it's not immediate, to keep the police on the streets from being tied up. You can also file a criminal complaint with the sheriff's department, the state highway patrol or department of investigation, or federal authorities like the FBI.
Civil complaints are filed with the clerk of court at the courthouse.
2006-08-04 15:29:22 · answer #3 · answered by Stuart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Internal Affairs is a start. In many large cities there is also review board. If the Internal Affairs department does not respond to your complaint in a timely matter (2 weeks). Write your local newspaper You can try the opinion page for exposure. Ask for the address of internal affairs and write them your complaints. Keep a copy and submit it over and over again. Don't give up. Someone will listen.
2006-08-12 12:01:53 · answer #4 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the police station and say "I need to file a criminal complaint"
2006-08-04 15:30:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
put elaine's picture down, she can't help you.
It's called the police station for criminal complaint and courthouse for the civil.
And take off the Pagliacci makeup, they dont take that seriously at either place, Joe!
2006-08-04 15:28:38 · answer #6 · answered by Munya Says: DUH! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Criminal: go to your local police station.
Civil: go through the courts...a lawyer'll help you avoid unnecessary mistakes during court though.
2006-08-04 15:27:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the police station, and tell them what you want done, do not ask, tell ok??!! Good luck.
2006-08-12 13:09:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The police department.
GOOD LUCK
2006-08-04 15:28:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the police , tell them what is happening or happened , and they will walk you through it
2006-08-04 15:28:07 · answer #10 · answered by sweenygirll 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋