How to File a Police Complaint in Shreveport

Public Safety Louisiana 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

In Shreveport, Louisiana, anyone who believes they experienced improper police conduct can file a complaint to request an investigation and administrative review. This guide explains where to submit complaints, what information to include, likely timelines, and the local offices that handle investigations. Read carefully to preserve evidence and meet any procedural time limits, and use the official channels described below to ensure the complaint is processed.

Penalties & Enforcement

Sanctions for substantiated misconduct by officers in Shreveport may include administrative discipline, reassignment, suspension, termination, or referral for criminal prosecution; monetary fine schedules specific to officer conduct are not specified on the cited page.[1]

File promptly and preserve any photos, videos, and witness contact information.
  • Enforcer: Shreveport Police Department (internal affairs/professional standards) and city oversight authorities as set out in the municipal code.[1]
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, suspension, termination, and possible criminal charges where warranted.
  • Escalation and repeats: ranges and graduated penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals and reviews: procedural review or appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact the enforcing office for deadlines.

Applications & Forms

To start a complaint you may be asked to complete a citizen complaint form or provide a written statement to the Police Department or City Clerk. The municipal code and department pages describe complaint submission but do not publish a fixed fee for filing.[1]

The department may provide a printable complaint form online.

How to File

Follow these steps to file a complaint in Shreveport; use the official complaint intake office to ensure your matter is logged and assigned for investigation.[1]

  1. Prepare basic facts: date, time, location, officer names or badge numbers if known, witness names, and any supporting evidence.
  2. Contact the Police Department’s professional standards or internal affairs office to request the complaint form or ask how to submit a written complaint.
  3. Submit the complaint in person, by mail, or by the department’s online portal if available; keep a copy and a tracking number or receipt.
  4. Preserve evidence: store video files in multiple locations and collect witness contact details promptly.
  5. Follow up: note the investigator’s contact, ask about expected timelines, and ask how to receive status updates or appeal outcomes.

FAQ

How long do I have to file a complaint?
Time limits for filing a complaint are not specified on the cited page; contact the Police Department or City Clerk to confirm any deadlines.[1]
Can I submit video evidence?
Yes; provide copies of video or photos and keep originals. Ask the intake office how they prefer digital submissions.
Will my complaint be anonymous?
Anonymous complaints may be accepted for review but can limit the ability to investigate fully; check with the intake office for local practice.

How-To

This how-to lists practical steps to file a complaint and preserve evidence for an effective administrative review.

  1. Document events: write a clear timeline and collect witness contacts.
  2. Get the official complaint form from the Police Department or City Clerk.
  3. Submit the complaint to the designated office and request a receipt or tracking number.
  4. Follow up with the investigator and ask about expected review or hearing dates.
Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • File promptly and preserve evidence to support your complaint.
  • Use the Police Department or City Clerk as the official intake channels.
  • Specific fines and some procedural time limits are not published on the cited municipal code page; contact the enforcing office for details.[1]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances - Municode

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