File a Use-of-Force Complaint in Colorado Springs

Public Safety Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado residents who believe a police use of force was improper can file a complaint with the Police Department for review. This guide explains where to submit a complaint, which office handles investigations, what enforcement or disciplinary outcomes are described on official pages, and practical steps to report incidents and appeal decisions.

Where to file the complaint

Complaints alleging excessive force or other officer misconduct are handled by the Colorado Springs Police Department Professional Standards unit. To begin a report, submit the department complaint form or contact Professional Standards directly for guidance and intake procedures via the department website Professional Standards[1]. For municipal code authority and policies that may govern department discipline, consult the City of Colorado Springs code online City code[2].

If the incident may be criminal, you may also request a parallel criminal investigation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Official sources describe complaint intake and internal investigation processes but do not list standardized monetary fines for use-of-force complaints on the cited pages.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: disciplinary ranges (coaching, reprimand, suspension, termination) may apply but specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Professional Standards unit and the Colorado Springs Police Department handle internal discipline; criminal matters are prosecuted by the appropriate district attorney per applicable law. See the Professional Standards contact for intake and investigation procedures.[1]
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: file an administrative complaint with Professional Standards using the department form or in person; contact details found on the department page.[1]
  • Appeals and review: formal appeal or review routes are not fully described on the cited pages; check the Professional Standards page and City code for any specified appeal periods and procedures.[1][2]
  • Defences/discretion: investigations examine officer reports, body-worn camera and other evidence; permitted uses of force and discretionary defenses are governed by departmental policy and law as referenced in official materials.
Documentation such as photos, video, and witness names helps investigations proceed efficiently.

Applications & Forms

The Colorado Springs Police Department publishes information on how to file a complaint and provides an administrative complaint form on the Professional Standards page; no application fees are listed on the cited page. If an official complaint form is not available online, contact Professional Standards for the intake method and any required deadlines.[1]

How the process typically works

  • Intake: complaint received by Professional Standards by form, phone, mail, or in person.
  • Preliminary review: determine whether the complaint alleges policy violation, criminal conduct, or is unfounded.
  • Investigation: collection of reports, body-camera footage, witness statements, and other evidence.
  • Disposition: potential outcomes include sustained, not sustained, exonerated, or unfounded; discipline if sustained.
  • Notice: complainant normally receives notification of the outcome per departmental procedures.
Keep a personal copy of any complaint and a record of dates and contacts for later reference.

FAQ

How do I start a use-of-force complaint?
Contact the Colorado Springs Police Department Professional Standards unit and submit the administrative complaint form listed on the department website.[1]
Is there a fee to file a complaint?
No fee is listed on the cited Professional Standards page; filing appears to be administrative and no charge is specified.[1]
Can I remain anonymous?
The cited pages describe intake options but do not fully specify anonymity or confidentiality rules; contact Professional Standards for guidance.[1]

How-To

  1. Document the incident: record date, time, location, officer names or badge numbers, witnesses, and preserve any photos or video.
  2. Visit the Professional Standards page and follow the complaint submission instructions.[1]
  3. Complete and submit the administrative complaint form or contact the unit by phone or in person.
  4. Provide supporting evidence and witness contacts to investigators when requested.
  5. Request information on appeal rights and next steps from Professional Standards or the City code office if you disagree with the disposition.[1][2]

Key Takeaways

  • File complaints with Colorado Springs Police Department Professional Standards for internal review.
  • Collect and keep evidence and witness information before filing.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Colorado Springs Police Department - Professional Standards complaint information
  2. [2] City of Colorado Springs Code of Ordinances

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data