How to file a complaint against Columbus police officers with Inspector General's office
For years, complaints against Columbus police officers were filed with the Division of Police's Internal Affairs Bureau.
Now, allegations of misconduct, excessive force, discrimination and other complaints involving violations of division policy or administrative conduct are filed with the city's Department of the Inspector General.
The Inspector General's office investigates complaints involving only Columbus police officers and does not handle complaints about other law enforcement agencies. The IG's office does not investigate criminal misconduct by a Columbus police officer. Those investigations will be handled by law enforcement agencies.
Complaints must be filed within 90 days of the alleged misconduct, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the city's contract with the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9.
Investigations into shootings involving Columbus police officers are handled by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. After that investigation is complete, the IG's office and the Civilian Police Review Board can review the case to determine if there were any violations of police division policy or procedure that do not rise to the level of criminal misconduct.
How to file a complaint
There are multiple ways a complaint can be filed with the Inspector General's office.
Complaints can be filed in person by going to the IG's office, located at 50 W. Town St., Suite 100, in downtown Columbus.
Complaints can also be called in during business hours at 614-645-9601 and speaking to a member of the Inspector General's staff or 24 hours a day through the IG's hotline at 614-645-9600.
Emailed complaints can be sent to dig@columbus.gov. Complaints can also be mailed to the Department of the Inspector General, 150 S. Front St., Columbus, Ohio, 43215.
A PDF form is available on the Inspector General's website that can also be filled out and printed. The Inspector General's office also has an online submission form.
How the complaint process works
After a complaint is received, an investigator will be assigned to the case.
The investigator will interview any potential victims, witnesses and officers involved, as well as review any relevant police body or dash camera video, or other video or photographic evidence provided by complainants or witnesses.
A written report will be completed with findings on whether the complaint is sustained, not sustained, unfounded, exonerated or withdrawn, along with a recommendation as to whether the report should be sent to the officer's chain of command within the Division of Police for review for potential discipline.
The reports are then forwarded to the Civilian Police Review Board for their review. The board's subcommittees review the reports and the recommendations and then vote at their public meetings on whether to accept or amend the Inspector General's findings.
Reports with a recommendation to be sent to the chain of command will then be sent through the police division, ultimately to Chief Elaine Bryant, for a determination about whether any discipline should be taken. Severe allegations of misconduct could be forwarded to the city Department of Public Safety as well.
What the report findings mean
A finding of sustained means there was evidence that the officer or officers violated policy or procedure. A finding of unfounded means there is no evidence to believe any misconduct occurred.
Exonerated findings mean that the actions within the complaint did occur, but the officer or officers were doing what was required by policy or procedure.
Not sustained complaint findings mean there is not enough evidence to prove or disprove the allegation. Withdrawn complaints are those that the person who filed it has decided not to pursue or cooperate with further.
Tips for filing a complaint
If you are filing a complaint, it should be an allegation of misconduct that you have personal knowledge of, meaning you witnessed it yourself, were the victim of it or have first-hand knowledge in some other way.
When submitting a complaint, include contact information that will be the best for an investigator to contact you during business hours.
Include as much information as possible — and that you are comfortable with sharing — in a complaint to help the investigators begin their process.
Questions can be directed to the Inspector General's office by calling 614-645-9601 or emailing DIG@columbus.gov.
bbruner@dispatch.com
@bethany_bruner
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Want to file a complaint against a Columbus police officer? Here's how.
