File a Civilian Police Complaint Online in Durham

Public Safety North Carolina 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

In Durham, North Carolina, civilians can report alleged police misconduct to the City of Durham Police Department and related oversight offices. This guide explains how to file an online complaint, what information to provide, who enforces complaints, and what to expect during review and any disciplinary process. Follow the steps below to submit an allegation, preserve evidence, and track the investigation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Durham handles police complaints through departmental investigation and administrative processes. Monetary fines for complainants are not applicable; disciplinary measures against officers are administrative and may include reprimand, suspension, reassignment, or termination. Specific fines or civil penalties for misconduct by officers are not specified on the cited municipal pages. [2]

  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page for officer discipline; administrative remedies are primary.
  • Escalation: first-offence and repeat-offence procedures are governed by departmental policy and collective bargaining or civil service rules; specific fine ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: reprimand, counseling, suspension, demotion, termination, or referral to criminal prosecution where warranted.
  • Enforcer and intake: Durham Police Department and any civilian oversight or auditor offices receive and investigate complaints. To file online, use the department complaint portal. File a complaint[1]
  • Appeal/review: appeal routes or administrative review procedures are set by department policy or civil service rules; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: investigations consider whether officer actions were lawful and reasonable under departmental policy and state law; possible defenses include legal justification, training guidance, or authorized use of force.
If a statute, ordinance, or collective bargaining rule is needed for appeal, request the specific section from the Records or City Clerk office promptly.

Applications & Forms

Durham publishes an online complaint form and instructions on how to submit allegations to the Police Department; where a specific printable form number is required it is provided on the department intake page. If a named form number or filing fee is required, that detail is not specified on the cited municipal pages. [1][2]

FAQ

How do I file a civilian complaint online?
Complete the Police Department online complaint portal with your contact details, a clear description of the incident, date/time/location, and any supporting evidence or witness names. Use the department’s complaint page to submit. [1]
What information should I include?
Include the officer badge or name if known, event date and time, location, description of actions, witness names, and any photos, video, or records you have.
Will I have to pay a fee?
No filing fee for civilian complaints is indicated on the cited municipal pages; costs for records requests may be governed by public records rules and are not specified on the cited page. [2]

How-To

  1. Gather details: record dates, times, locations, officer identifiers, witness contacts, and any evidence (photos, video).
  2. Access the Durham Police complaint portal and complete the online form with your information and a clear narrative of events. [1]
  3. Submit supporting evidence via the portal or follow instructions for attachments and public records if required.
  4. Note the complaint reference number and contact the listed investigator or office for updates.
  5. If unsatisfied with the outcome, inquire about appeal or review procedures with the City Clerk, Civil Service, or oversight office; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited pages. [2]
Preserve original media files and keep a separate copy of your report and any confirmation numbers.

Key Takeaways

  • File online with clear facts, witness contacts, and evidence.
  • Durham Police Department and oversight offices manage intake and investigation; use official portals to submit.
  • Discipline is administrative; specific fines or civil penalty amounts are not listed on the cited pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Durham official Police complaint information and portal
  2. [2] Durham Code of Ordinances - Municipal code

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