Citizen Complaints

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What is a citizen complaint?
 There are two types of citizen complaints: informal and formal. 
 An informal complaint is an allegation against a police employee which may involve violations of department policies, and a citizen wishes to have the complaint addressed informally by a supervisor.
 
 A formal complaint is an allegation of misconduct regarding a police employee for which a citizen wants a thorough review and investigation. 
 
Who can make a complaint?
 Anyone, however if the person making the complaint is under 18, a parent or guardian must be contacted and informed of the complaint.
 
When and where can a complaint be made?
A complaint can be made at any time, directly to any police supervisor or by calling 510-596-3700 and stating “I wish to make a complaint against an Emeryville Police Department Employee.” Your call will be transferred to a commanding or supervisory officer who will take the complaint.
 
Complaints may also be made directly to the Emeryville Police Department during normal business hours by phone, email, mail, or in person.
 
What happens after a complaint is filed?
Complaints are received, reviewed and assigned to a supervisor who will contact all witnesses, including officers, examine all evidence and gather all information pertaining to the allegations made in the complaint. 
 
If the complaint is informal and can be resolved to your satisfaction, by the immediate supervisor, you will not  need to do anything further.
 
How long will it take?
A simple investigation might take only a few days to complete, while a complex investigation may take several months.
 
What happens after the investigation?
The Chief of Police reviews every compliant. If the Chief determines that an employee violated Department policy or procedures, appropriate corrective action will be taken. 
 
At the end of the investigation, you will receive written notification of the Chief’s findings. State law prohibits releasing specific details concerning personnel actions

To report a personnel complaint, please fill out the electronic or print version of the complaint forms below.  Submit the print version to the Emeryville Police Station located at 2449 Powell Street Emeryville, CA 94608.