File Police Misconduct Complaint - Baltimore

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

In Baltimore, Maryland you can report police misconduct to the Baltimore Police Department and seek civilian review through city oversight bodies. This guide explains how to file an online complaint, what information to include, expected timelines, and where to find official forms and contacts. It summarizes official filing routes and review options current as of February 2026, and points to the primary municipal pages you will need to complete a complaint.

Keep records of the incident, witnesses, and any photos or video.

Where to file

You may file a complaint with the Baltimore Police Department Internal Affairs or with the City Civilian Review Board for independent oversight. To start with the department, use the BPD complaint resources and instructions available on the Baltimore Police Department site BPD complaint page[1]. For civilian review and appeals, consult the City of Baltimore Civilian Review Board information Civilian Review Board page[2].

What to include in an online complaint

  • Complainant name, contact information, and preferred method for follow-up.
  • Date, time, and location of the incident.
  • Names, badge numbers, or descriptions of officers involved.
  • Detailed description of events and any supporting evidence (photos, video, medical records).
  • Names and contact info for witnesses, if available.

Penalties & Enforcement

Discipline for substantiated misconduct is handled through internal departmental discipline processes and can include orders, suspensions, termination recommendations, or criminal referral where applicable. Monetary fines for misconduct by police officers are not typical and are not specified on the cited pages; specific disciplinary outcomes are set by agency rules and collective bargaining agreements, and may be governed by internal policies and state law rather than a municipal fine schedule. For procedural enforcement and review, the Baltimore Police Department and the City Civilian Review Board are the primary enforcers and reviewers for complaints filed within the city[1][2].

Official pages do not publish a city fine schedule for officer discipline.
  • Enforcer: Baltimore Police Department Internal Affairs and supervisory chain.
  • Civilian oversight: City Civilian Review Board for independent review and recommendations.
  • Time limits: filing deadlines are not specified on the cited pages; complainants should file promptly and consult the official pages for updates.
  • Appeals/review: appeal or review routes depend on whether the complaint is handled administratively or referred for civilian review; exact appeal timelines are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Common violations: excessive force, unlawful stops/searches, biased policing, improper use of equipment; remedies vary by case and are not listed as fixed fines on the official complaint pages.

Applications & Forms

The Baltimore Police Department provides instructions for filing complaints and may provide an online or printable complaint form; however, the specific form name, number, filing fee, or a single consolidated online portal URL is not specified on the cited BPD or City pages. Complainants may file in person, by mail, by email, or via any online portal listed by the department and oversight board on their official pages[1][2].

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: photos, video, witness names, and any medical or repair bills.
  2. Visit the Baltimore Police Department complaint page or the Civilian Review Board page to learn submission options and available forms.[1][2]
  3. Complete the complaint form or online fields with clear, chronological facts and attach evidence.
  4. Submit the complaint according to the instructions (online, email, mail, or in person) and note any confirmation or case number.
  5. If dissatisfied with the outcome, request review by the Civilian Review Board or follow appeal instructions provided in the closing notice.
Keep copies of everything you submit and any official response you receive.

FAQ

Can I file a complaint anonymously?
Yes, anonymous complaints may be accepted, but providing contact information helps investigators obtain additional details; acceptance policies vary by office and are not uniformly specified on the cited pages.[1]
How long will an investigation take?
Investigation timelines vary by case complexity and workload; specific average timelines are not specified on the official pages cited here.
Will filing a complaint affect my criminal case?
Filing a misconduct complaint is separate from criminal proceedings; consult the investigators or your attorney about any interactions with ongoing criminal matters.

Key Takeaways

  • File promptly and preserve evidence to support your complaint.
  • Use the Baltimore Police Department and Civilian Review Board official pages to submit and track complaints.
  • Official pages do not publish fixed fines for officer misconduct; outcomes are case-specific.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Baltimore Police Department - Complaint information and resources
  2. [2] City of Baltimore - Civilian Review Board information

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