Office of Police Complaints

The Office of Police Complaints (OPC) is a government agency that receives, investigates, and resolves complaints from the public alleging police misconduct, including claims of discrimination, excessive force, harassment, unprofessional language and conduct, retaliation, discrimination, and failure to wear or display required identification or identify oneself by name and badge number when requested to do so by a member of the public. The agency is independent of the police departments it investigates.

OPC also issues policy recommendations that focus on reducing police misconduct through better training, supervision, and discipline of police officers, as well as improving the citizen complaint process.

In addition, OPC conducts outreach, trainings, and presentations for a variety of audiences throughout the District of Columbia metropolitan area. OPC also participates in community forums, festivals, town hall meetings, and other events to educate the public about the agency’s mission and services.