How to File a Police Misconduct Complaint in Reno

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

In Reno, Nevada, anyone who believes they experienced or observed police misconduct can file a complaint with the Reno Police Department or via the city code processes described by the City of Reno. This guide explains where to submit a complaint, what information to include, how investigations proceed, and how to follow up with official city contacts. It is intended for residents and visitors seeking a clear, practical path to report officer misconduct, request records, or ask about appeal routes.

Where to Submit a Complaint

Complaints about Reno Police Department (RPD) personnel are accepted by RPD Internal Affairs and through City channels described on the official complaint pages. To begin a complaint online or by phone, contact the Reno Police Department or visit the City of Reno complaint resources File a Complaint[1]. For ordinance-based oversight or formal code authority, consult the City of Reno municipal code online Reno Municipal Code[2].

You may file a complaint in person, by mail, by phone, or often via a downloadable form on the police complaints page.

Penalties & Enforcement

Disciplinary measures for substantiated misconduct are set and applied by the Reno Police Department and any applicable city oversight or collective bargaining rules. Specific monetary fines tied to citizen complaints are generally not listed on complaint pages; the official sources do not specify fine amounts for misconduct complaints, but they describe investigative and disciplinary processes.[1][2]

  • Enforcer: Reno Police Department Internal Affairs and city administrative offices handle investigations and discipline; criminal matters may be referred to prosecutors.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first versus repeat or continuing offences are governed by departmental policy and collective bargaining rules; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: counseling, reprimands, suspensions, demotion, termination, administrative orders, and referral to criminal prosecution where applicable.
  • Appeals and review: appeal or grievance routes are typically set by department policy or employment contracts; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The Reno Police Department publishes a citizen complaint form and instructions on how to submit complaints; the police complaint page lists methods and any downloadable form or contact details.[1] If no form is required, the page will note how to file by phone or in person.

Collect detailed information at the time of filing: date, time, location, officer names or badge numbers, and witness contacts.

Investigation Process & Timelines

After a complaint is filed, Internal Affairs or the designated complaint investigator logs the complaint, acknowledges receipt, and begins a preliminary review. Investigations may include witness interviews, officer statements, and review of body-worn camera or other recordings. The official complaint page describes submission and intake steps but does not publish a uniform deadline for completing investigations; timelines depend on case complexity and resource allocation.[1]

  • Intake acknowledgement: typically provided by the receiving office; check the complaint page for exact contact instructions.
  • Evidence review: may include body-worn camera footage and other records.
  • Outcome: findings commonly categorized as sustained, not sustained, exonerated, or unfounded; remedies follow department policy.

How-To

  1. Collect details: write down dates, times, officer identifiers, witness names, and any evidence such as photos or recordings.
  2. File the complaint: submit via the Reno Police Department complaint page or in person at an RPD station; follow the online instructions to attach documents.[1]
  3. Follow up: note your complaint number, keep copies of evidence, and ask for an expected timeline or investigator contact.
  4. Appeal or grievance: if you dispute the outcome, ask the investigator or city office about appeal or civil review options and any deadlines.
Keep copies of everything you submit and note dates of phone calls or meetings.

FAQ

Who can file a complaint?
Any person who witnessed or experienced alleged police misconduct, or a representative acting on their behalf, can file a complaint with the Reno Police Department or the city complaint office.
Do I need a lawyer to file?
No, you can file directly with the department; consult an attorney if you plan to pursue civil or criminal actions.
Will the officer be disciplined immediately?
Discipline follows an investigation and review; immediate administrative actions are rare and handled according to policy and bargaining agreements.
Can I request body-worn camera footage?
Yes — requests for body-worn camera or incident records are governed by Nevada public records law and city procedures; the complaint page and city records office provide request instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • File promptly and include specifics and evidence.
  • Use official Reno Police complaint channels for fastest processing.
  • Ask about appeal routes and keep records of all communications.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Reno - File a Complaint (Reno Police Department)
  2. [2] Reno Municipal Code - City of Reno code of ordinances

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