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CPCO Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Citizens Police Complaint Office (CPCO)? The Citizens Police Complaint Office is independent of the Indianapolis Police Department, created by City-County General Ordinance No. 545, 1998. It affords citizens of Indianapolis who believe they have been treated improperly by an officer of IPD the opportunity to have their complaints voiced and investigated.
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What is the Citizens Police Complaint Board (CPCB)?
The CPCB is a twelve member Board consisting of nine civilian, voting members and three non-voting police officers. These members are appointed by the City-County Council, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the Mayor and have the task of reviewing all cases filed in the CPCO.
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Who may file a complaint?
Any person who feels he or she has been the victim of police misconduct may file a complaint. If you are under the age of 18, a legal guardian must accompany you when filing the complaint.
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How does one file a complaint?
The most common way to file a complaint is to contact the CPCO at (317) 327-3440 to schedule an appointment for a formal interview. To file a complaint informally you may write to Brian Reeder, Executive Director, at 148 East Market Street, Suite 508 Indianapolis, IN 46204. When filing an informal complaint the process is abbreviated in that there is no need to make an office visit. The complaint will be investigated, as long as we can positively identify the officer(s) involved, but it will not be reviewed by the Citizens' Police Complaint Board. A formal complaint must be filed within sixty (60) days of the incident.
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What happens to the complaint?
Once a complaint is received in the CPCO, it is processed, recorded and sent to IPD for investigation. The complaint is returned to the CPCO with a disposition (finding) attached. The complaint is then scheduled for a review by the CPCB. The complainant will be informed of the time, date, and place of this public meeting. The CPCB will review and discuss the complaint at the meeting. No testimony is heard from either the complainant or the officer(s) involved. All statements are made previously by involved parties during the investigative process. If the CPCB endorses (agrees with) the findings, the case is then considered complete. If the CPCB does not endorse the findings, they have the option to:
- Order the Executive Director of the CPCO to conduct an independent investigation of the allegations and/or
- Conduct an informal administrative hearing on the complaint and/or
- Order the Executive Director to mediate the complaint informally with the Chief of Police in an attempt to resolve the matter.
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What information is needed when filing a complaint?
When you file a complaint, please included the following information:
- Date, time, and location of incident
- Description of officer(s) and badge or vehicle numbers (if available)
- Witnesses' names, addresses, phone numbers
- Citations, medical records, or any other documentation or evidence that you feel may be helpful
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What if the IPD officer is found to be in violation of departmental policy?
If there is sufficient evidence to prove the allegation(s) made in the complaint, the complaint will be ruled SUSTAINED. The Chief of Police will take the appropriate disciplinary action. This action is reported to the CPCO and forwarded on to the complainant.
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What if there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation(s)?
With insufficient evidence, the case will be ruled NOT SUSTAINED: notification will be sent to the complainant, and the officer's name will be entered in the Early Warning System set up by IPD.
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What if the officer is found to have acted in accordance with departmental policy?
If the officer is found to have acted properly and in accordance with IPD regulations, a disposition of EXONERATED will be attached to the complaint, and notification of that fact will be sent to the complainant.
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What if the allegations do not coincide with the evidence?
If the information provided by the complainant does not coincide with the evidence obtained, the complaint will be ruled UNFOUNDED, and no further action will be taken. If new information becomes available to the complainant, the complaint may be refiled.
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How can I become a member of the CPCB?
All voting members must be citizens who are residents of the police special service district. Voting members may be selected from nominees chosen by the District Task Force and submitted by the Deputy Chief. No sworn law enforcement officer is eligible to serve as a voting member.
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How can you bring good officer conduct to the attention of IPD?
If you would like to compliment the conduct and/or actions of an IPD officer, this may be accomplished by calling the Chief of Police's office at (317) 327-5282. Another method is by writing to the Chief of Police or the district Deputy Chief of the district in which the officer is assigned.
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What if You Do Not Agree with Either the IPD or the CPCB?
You have the right to discuss your case with an attorney and seek recourse under the law.
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