Standing to File a Complaint
In addition to the Board, an alleged victim, an alleged victim’s parent, legal guardian or custodian or any individual having personal knowledge of the alleged officer misconduct or use of excessive force shall have standing to file a complaint with the DIG. Personal knowledge shall mean an eye or ear witness to an incident involving alleged officer misconduct or use of excessive force.
How to File a Citizen Complaint with the DIG
In person
Complaints will be taken anytime during business hours
Complaints will be taken anytime during the CPRB Monthly Meetings
Mainline: (614) 645-9601
Complaints may be filed by calling the DIG’s mainline during business hours
Hotline: (614) 645-9600 24 hours
Complaints may be filed anytime via the DIG’s hotline
Email: [email protected]
Complaints may be emailed to the DIG
Website:
Complaints may be submitted via the DIG’s website
Mail:
Complaints may be mailed to the DIG at 150 S. Front, Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
False Complaints
No person shall knowingly file a complaint against a peace officer that alleges the peace officer engaged in misconduct in the performance of the officer’s duties if the person knows that the allegation is false. Making false allegations of peace office misconduct, under ORC § 2921.15, is a 1st degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Anonymous Complaints
Anonymous complaints will be investigated to the fullest extent allowed by the information received. When an anonymous complaint is made against a sworn member of the Columbus Division of Police and no corroborative evidence is obtained from the information that either accompanies the complaint or that is reasonably obtainable from the information or contact information provided in the complaint, the complaint will be classified as “not investigated”.