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Office of Professional Accountability Complaint Process Police work is an often difficult and thankless task. We happily accept commendations and will forward them to personnel and to the employee's chain of command with our sincere appreciation. If you believe that an officer or other Department employee has committed misconduct may file a complaint in person, by telephone, use our online form, e-mail, or mail. Mailing Address: E-mail: opa-is@seattle.gov Complaints can also be filed at: E-mail: Customer Service Bureau We also investigate complaints referred to us by the Mayor's office, City Council members, and referral agencies. WILL MY COMPLAINT BE INVESTIGATED? Depending on the seriousness of the allegation, your complaint may be resolved with information from the section or referral to the officer’s supervisor for review. Other complaints will receive further investigative efforts. You will be notified on how your complaint will be resolved. WHO WILL INVESTIGATE MY COMPLAINT? Every complaint is documented and reviewed by the Captain of the Investigation Section and the Director of the OPA, who is not a police officer. The Investigation Section will forward its investigation and recommended findings for review by the civilian Director of the OPA. The Director may concur with the recommended findings, direct additional investigation, or recommend a different finding to the Chief of Police. Depending on the circumstances of your WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I FILE A COMPLAINT? If your complaint is assigned for investigation, the OPA will send you a notice that includes a case number. You will receive a notice that includes a case number, name, and telephone number of the investigator assigned to your complaint. It is very important that you continue to participate in the complaint process. You may be asked to give a more complete, tape-recorded statement. HOW LONG WILL MY COMPLAINT TAKE TO INVESTIGATE? Some allegations can be resolved by discussion with the OPA-IS investigator or by a supervisor. These are usually resolved within 60 days. If further investigation is required, it will likely take longer. Investigations must be fully completed within 180 days, though every effort is made to close them sooner. If you have any questions during the process of your complaint or have not heard from our office about the status of your case, you are encouraged to call and check on the status of your investigation. WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE OUTCOME OF MY COMPLAINT? Yes. If your complaint was assigned for Supervisory Referral, you will receive a closing letter describing what steps were taken to resolve the issue. If your complaint is assigned for investigation, you will be advised of the steps that were taken to investigate, the outcome of the investigation, and an explanation of the finding reached. QUESTIONS OR DISAGREEMENT WITH OPA DECISION If you do not agree with the classification or results of the investigation of your complaint, you may submit a letter to the OPA Director requesting reconsideration. The OPA Director will review the investigation, determine if it was handled properly, and notify you of the review findings in writing.
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CONTENTS: Will my complaint be investigated? Who will investigate my complaint? What happens after I file a complaint? How long will it take to investigate? Will I be notified of the outcome of my complaint? Question or disagreement with OPA decision
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