Policy Complaints
Members of the public can ask the Police Accountability Board to review a Police Department policy, practice or procedure.
The Police Accountability Board reviews Berkeley Police Department policies, practices, and procedures. A member of the community who believes that a policy, practice, or procedure is insufficient or improper can initiate a review by the Board. The Office of the Director of Police Accountability (DPA) accepts policy complaints and brings them before the Board.
How to file a complaint about a Berkeley Police Department policy
To Obtain a Policy Complaint Form
- Contact the DPA Office by phone, email, or fax, to request a form, OR
- Come to the DPA Office to pick up the form, OR
- Download the form here.
To Return the Policy Complaint Form
Mail, email, fax, or bring the completed form to the DPA Office.
Policy Review Process
- The Director will agendize the Policy Complaint for a meeting of the Board. You will be notified of the meeting date and time and, if you wish, may attend the meeting to address the Board and answer their questions.
- If the Board agrees that a policy review is warranted, they may take appropriate action, including initiating an investigation or establishing a subcommittee to review the policy.
- The Board may recommend that the Police Department adopt or revise a policy. It will send the recommendation to the Chief of Police or City Manager, who will consider whether to implement it.
- The Board could also decide that no policy change is warranted.
If you have any questions about this process, contact the Office of the Director of Police Accountability.
Related Documents
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Office of the Director of Police Accountability
Email:
dpa@cityofberkeley.info
Phone:
TEL: (510) 981-4950, FAX: (510) 981-4955, TDD: (510) 981-6903