File a Citizen Complaint with MPD Internal Affairs Division

The Internal Affairs Division (IAD) is the internal MPD unit responsible for ensuring that all complaints of officer misconduct are handled properly. IAD investigates complaints filed at anytime alleging any type of misconduct, including misconduct that can be investigated by OPC and anonymous complaints.

You may file a complaint in a number of ways:

• In person at the IAD or any MPD facility.
• Mail a letter detailing your complaint to the IAD or any police facility.
• Report your complaint over the telephone

Internal Affairs Division:
phone: 202-727-4385, TTY: 202-898-1454
24-hour hotline: 1-800-298-4006

• Fax your complaint to the IAB: 202-727-4858
• Email your complaint to citizen.complaints@dc.gov
• Download a PD-99 (complaint form) [PDF], complete and sign the form, and submit it to the Internal Affairs Division via traditional mail or fax.

Internal Affairs Division
3244 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20020

MPD Complaint Investigation Process

1. Step 1 - The complaint is filed with the MPD.

2. Step 2 - The MPD 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.

3. 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, if it is known, and the nature of the complaint. However, the MPD will not reveal the complainant's name if the complainant requests to remain anonymous.

4. Step 4 - Investigation is completed and one of the following conclusions is made:

• Sustained – where the person’s allegation is supported by sufficient evidence to determine that the incident occurred and the actions of the officer were improper.
• Insufficient Facts – where there are insufficient facts to decide whether the alleged misconduct occurred.
• Exonerated – where a preponderance of the evidence shows that the alleged conduct did occur but did not violate MPD policies, procedures, or training.
• Unfounded – where the investigation determined no facts to support that the incident complained of actually occurred.

5. 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, Rm. 5080, Washington, DC  20001.