File Police Complaints & Records - San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, California, residents can file police complaints and request police records through the San Bernardino Police Department and the City Clerk's public records process. This guide explains how to submit complaints against officers, how to request incident and arrest records, what departments handle each request, and practical timelines and next steps. Use the official Records Division for copies, and the Professional Standards/Internal Affairs procedures to report misconduct. Follow the steps below to gather forms, preserve evidence, and avoid delays when seeking records or filing an administrative complaint.
How to file a complaint
To file a complaint about police conduct, contact the San Bernardino Police Department Professional Standards or Internal Affairs unit. Complaints can usually be made in person, by mail, by phone, or through an online complaint form when available. Provide your name, contact information, date/time/location of the incident, names or badge numbers if known, and any supporting evidence such as photos or video. After submission, the department will open an administrative review or investigation and notify you of next steps.
For official complaint filing instructions and forms, consult the department's complaint page.[2]
Police records and public records requests
Requests for incident reports, arrest reports, 911 recordings, and other police records are processed through the Records Division or the City Clerk's Public Records unit under applicable public records laws. Requestors should specify report numbers, dates, and parties involved to speed processing. Fees for copies, redaction, and certification may apply.
Check the Records Division page for the official records request procedure and available request forms.[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
Discipline and penalties for officer misconduct are governed by departmental policy, collective bargaining agreements where applicable, and state law for criminal conduct. Specific monetary fines for administrative misconduct are not typically imposed by the department; instead, typical sanctions include policy violations, counseling, retraining, suspension, demotion, termination, and referral for criminal prosecution when warranted. The exact fines or statutory penalties for related criminal offenses are not specified on the cited department pages.[2]
Escalation and repeat-offense handling: the department applies progressive discipline and may escalate to termination for repeated violations; specific escalation schedules and fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.[2]
- Enforcer: San Bernardino Police Department Professional Standards/Internal Affairs and the City Attorney for prosecutions.
- Inspection and complaint intake: Records Division and Professional Standards unit (contact details on official pages).[1]
- Appeals/review: administrative review through the department and, for records denials under public records law, court remedies; exact time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
Applications & Forms
The city and department publish a police complaint form and a records request form when available. Names, form numbers, fees, and submission addresses vary and are listed on the official complaint and records pages; where a fee or form number is not shown, it is not specified on the cited page.[2]
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Excessive force - possible internal investigation, suspension, referral for criminal prosecution (if supported by evidence).
- Discourtesy or policy breach - retraining, reprimand, or suspension.
- Unauthorized disclosure of records - policy violation, possible disciplinary action and review under public records rules.
Action steps
- Gather information: dates, times, locations, names, badge numbers, photos, and witness contacts.
- File a complaint with Professional Standards/Internal Affairs; keep a copy and a tracking number if provided.
- Submit a records request to the Records Division or City Clerk specifying exact records desired and format.
- Pay any published fees for copies or certification; request fee estimates if not posted.
FAQ
- How do I file a police complaint in San Bernardino?
- You can file with the San Bernardino Police Department Professional Standards/Internal Affairs in person, by mail, phone, or via the department's complaint form where available.[2]
- How do I request an incident report?
- Request incident and arrest reports from the Records Division or City Clerk's public records unit by submitting a written request with report details.[1]
- Are there fees for police records?
- Fees may apply for copies, redaction, and certification; specific fees are listed on the Records Division or City Clerk page, or otherwise not specified on the cited page.[1]
How-To
- Identify the incident: note date, time, location, names, badge numbers, and witnesses.
- Gather evidence: photos, videos, and documents; make copies and preserve originals when possible.
- File an official complaint with Professional Standards/Internal Affairs following the department's instructions.[2]
- Submit a records request to the Records Division or City Clerk with specific report details and preferred delivery format.[1]
- If denied records or unsatisfied with the complaint outcome, ask for administrative review and consider court remedies for records denials under applicable public records law; exact time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
Key Takeaways
- File complaints with Professional Standards/Internal Affairs and keep records of your submission.
- Use the Records Division or City Clerk for public records requests and specify report details to avoid delays.
- Contact official department pages for forms and the most current instructions.
Help and Support / Resources
- San Bernardino Police Department - Official page
- City of San Bernardino - City Clerk Public Records
- San Bernardino Municipal Code (Municode)