What happens when I file a complaint?
As a citizen, you are encouraged to contact the Boise Police
Department if you have a complaint about the actions of a police
officer or non-sworn employee if you believe their conduct was
inappropriate or that they have violated the law. Persons
submitting or involved in a complaint regarding a department
member's conduct shall not be hindered or harassed in any manner
for their action. The staff of the Office of Internal Affairs
can answer questions about actions of officers, initiate a
complaint against an officer, and conduct investigations of police
conduct. Although we encourage citizens to report police
misconduct, complaints must be made in good faith. False or highly
exaggerated complaints serve no good purpose for either the
citizens or the officer and only tend to thwart our
complaint-taking process. Anyone who willfully makes any false
accusation for the purpose of discrediting a police officer may be
prosecuted.
Complaints of misconduct are classified as either Class I
(serious) or Class II (minor.) Either the employee's
supervisor or the Office of Internal Affairs may investigate
allegations of minor misconduct. The Office of Internal Affairs
investigates allegations of serious misconduct, such as excessive
force, abuse of authority, or criminal violations.
Once an investigation is completed, a finding is made based on
the preponderance of evidence in the case. The Chief of
Police makes the final decision on the disposition of the complaint
and then both the complainant and the employee(s) are notified of
the outcome.