How do I file a complaint about police use of force?

File a complaint using the Sioux Falls Police Department citizen complaint process via the department's official complaint page.

Will officers be criminally prosecuted if force was excessive?

Criminal prosecution is possible and would be handled by the appropriate county or state prosecutor; the department may refer cases for criminal review.

Are timelines for investigations published?

Specific public timelines are not specified on the department pages and may vary by case.

Sioux Falls Police Use of Force Policies & Oversight

Public Safety South Dakota 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026

In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, police use-of-force policies and civilian oversight shape how officers engage with the public and how complaints are handled. This guide explains where the official policies live, who enforces them, how to file a complaint, and what enforcement or disciplinary outcomes the city publishes. It is aimed at residents, community groups, and practitioners who need clear, actionable information on municipal accountability for use-of-force matters in Sioux Falls.

Overview of Policies and Oversight

The Sioux Falls Police Department maintains policy and procedure documents governing use of force, de-escalation, and reporting requirements for officers. Civilian complaint avenues and internal investigations are handled through the department's professional standards or internal affairs functions. For department contact and complaint submission details, see the official police complaint page ^[1].

Citizens can file complaints directly with the police department or request information about investigations.

Penalties & Enforcement

Discipline for improper use of force is principally administrative and determined by internal investigation, collective bargaining rules, and applicable municipal or state employment law. Monetary fines for officers are not a standard penalty in internal discipline and are not specified on the cited pages ^[2].

Enforcer: Sioux Falls Police Department - Professional Standards/Internal Affairs handles investigations and initial discipline.
Appeals: disciplinary appeals or employment grievances may follow civil service, union grievance procedures, or city HR processes; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
Fines: not specified on the cited pages for officer discipline; civilian penalties for related municipal violations are identified in the municipal code when applicable.
Non-monetary sanctions: counseling, retraining, suspension, demotion, termination, or referral for criminal prosecution may occur depending on findings.
Inspection and complaint pathways: file a complaint via the police department's official complaint form or contact the department records/professional standards office ^[1].

Disciplinary procedures often depend on collective bargaining agreements and state employment law.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes a citizen complaint form and instructions on how to submit allegations against officers; if a specific form number or filing fee exists it is not specified on the cited page ^[1].

How investigations work

After a complaint is filed, the department reviews the allegation, gathers statements and body-worn camera footage where available, and makes findings such as sustained, unfounded, not sustained, or exonerated. Criminal allegations may be forwarded to prosecutors. Specific investigative timelines are not listed on the department pages and may vary case by case.

Evidence: body-worn camera and on-scene reports are typical evidence types.
Deadlines: the department does not publish standardized public timelines for completion on the cited pages.
Referral: serious incidents may be referred to county/state prosecutors for criminal review.

Request written confirmation when you submit a complaint and note any case or incident numbers.

FAQ

How do I file a complaint about police use of force?: You can file a complaint using the Sioux Falls Police Department citizen complaint process; follow the instructions and form on the official police complaint page ^[1].
Will officers be criminally prosecuted if force was excessive?: Criminal prosecution is possible and would be handled by the appropriate county or state prosecutor; the department's pages explain referral but do not specify prosecution criteria.
Are timelines for investigations published?: Specific public timelines are not specified on the cited pages and may vary by case.

How-To

Document details: record date, time, location, officer names/badge numbers, and witness contacts.
Contact the department: use the official complaint page or phone line to start the process ^[1].
Submit evidence: attach photos, video, medical records, or witness statements with your complaint form.
Follow up: ask for a case number and expected steps; inquire about appeal routes if you disagree with findings.
Seek legal advice: for civil remedies or criminal referrals, consult an attorney experienced in civil rights or employment law.

Key Takeaways

Use-of-force oversight in Sioux Falls is managed through the police department's internal processes and may involve prosecutorial review.
Civilian complaint forms are the standard way to initiate an investigation; specific form numbers or fees are not published on the cited pages.