File a Police Complaint - Indianapolis Records Guide

Public Safety Indiana 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Indiana

Overview

In Indianapolis, Indiana, anyone who believes they experienced police misconduct can file a complaint with the City. This guide explains where to report, what information is required, how complaint records are handled, and the basic timelines for investigation and appeal. Start by gathering incident details, witness names, dates, times, and any photos or video. You can submit a complaint in person, by mail, or using the city complaint page linked in Resources below; official intake and investigation are handled by city agencies and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) depending on the allegation and involved personnel.[1]

Keep copies of any evidence and the complaint confirmation for your records.

How to file a complaint

Follow these practical steps to submit a complaint and preserve records:

  • Describe the incident with date, time, location, and officer names or badge numbers if known.
  • Attach or list witness names and contact details and any evidence such as photos or video.
  • Choose a submission method: in person, mail, or the city complaint webpage.
  • Request a written confirmation or complaint number for your records.
You may withdraw a complaint, but withdrawal does not always stop an administrative review.

Penalties & Enforcement

The municipal complaint and disciplinary process for police conduct is handled by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and related city oversight bodies; specific penalty schedules (fine amounts, points, or suspension lengths) are not specified on the cited city complaint page or agency overview and depend on the outcome of internal investigations and applicable municipal or departmental rules.[1]

  • Enforcer: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department internal affairs or designated city oversight office.
  • Possible non-monetary sanctions include reprimand, retraining, suspension, termination, or referral for criminal prosecution; monetary fines are typically not the municipal disciplinary tool for employee misconduct and are not specified on the cited page.
  • To report a complaint or request status, contact the office listed on the city complaint page for intake and investigation instructions.
  • Appeals/reviews: procedures and time limits for administrative appeal or review are not specified on the cited complaint overview page; follow instructions given with your complaint confirmation.
If the allegation suggests criminal conduct, request that the matter be referred for criminal investigation.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes a civilian complaint intake form and instructions on its official complaint page; a physical or PDF complaint form is commonly available for download or pickup, but exact form names or numbers are not specified on the general overview page cited above.[1]

Evidence & Records access

After filing, you can request copies of records and evidence through the city's public records process. Body-worn camera footage, dispatch logs, and incident reports may be subject to disclosure rules and applicable exemptions; timelines and possible redactions depend on public-records law and department procedures. Always include your complaint number and a clear description of the records requested when making a public records request.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Excessive force allegations — outcome depends on investigation; possible precinct discipline or criminal referral.
  • Misconduct or abuse of authority — may result in administrative action or training requirements.
  • Failure to file reports or procedural violations — often handled as internal policy violations.

Action steps

  • Gather evidence and witness details immediately after the incident.
  • File the complaint using the city intake options; keep the confirmation number.
  • If dissatisfied with the outcome, ask about appeal or review routes and deadlines in writing.

FAQ

Who can file a complaint?
Any person who witnessed or experienced the incident or their authorized representative can file a complaint; family members may file in certain cases.
How long does an investigation take?
Investigation lengths vary by case complexity; the city overview does not specify a fixed timeline and recommends asking for status updates when you file.
Can I request body-worn camera footage?
Yes, you may request footage through the city's public records process, subject to exemptions and redaction rules.

How-To

  1. Document the incident: write a timeline, collect witness names, and preserve photos or video.
  2. Locate the city complaint form or intake method on the official municipal complaint page.
  3. Submit the complaint by your chosen method and obtain a complaint number or confirmation.
  4. Request records or evidence through the city public records process, referencing your complaint number.
  5. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, follow the department's appeal or review instructions in writing.

Key Takeaways

  • File quickly and collect evidence to support your complaint.
  • Keep the complaint confirmation and use it when requesting records or status updates.

Help and Support / Resources

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