How do I file a complaint about use of force?

Report to El Paso Police Department Internal Affairs using the department's official complaint process; if urgent, call 911 for immediate safety. See the police department website for submission options.

Will the officer face criminal charges?

Criminal charges are separate and handled by prosecutors; internal discipline does not prevent criminal investigation or prosecution.

Can I get the officer disciplined?

Internal investigations can lead to discipline, but outcomes depend on findings, applicable rules, and any collective bargaining terms; exact procedures and sanctions are described in departmental policy and city ordinances.

El Paso Police Use of Force Policy Guide

Public Safety Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026

Overview

This guide explains how police use-of-force is defined, enforced, and challenged in El Paso, Texas, and points to official municipal sources and police policies for next steps. The City of El Paso Police Department publishes policy and complaint procedures that govern officer conduct and internal review processes ^[1]. Where municipal code or department policy is unclear we note that specific fines or disciplinary amounts are not specified on the cited pages.

If you witness force, preserve evidence and seek medical attention immediately if needed.

Scope and legal basis

Use-of-force policy covers levels of force, reporting requirements, and internal investigations for sworn officers. City and departmental rules operate alongside Texas criminal statutes; the City of El Paso municipal code and police department policy pages are primary sources for local rules ^[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and sanctions for improper use of force are typically handled through internal disciplinary procedures within the El Paso Police Department and, where appropriate, criminal or civil proceedings. The primary enforcing office is the El Paso Police Department and its Internal Affairs/Professional Standards unit; external review mechanisms depend on city oversight structures and state processes.

Fines: specific monetary fines for officer misconduct are not specified on the cited pages.
Escalation: disciplinary steps for first, repeat, or continuing offences are described in department policy or collective bargaining documents; exact ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
Non-monetary sanctions: common measures include reprimand, suspension, retraining, reassignment, termination, and referral for criminal prosecution.
Enforcer & complaint pathway: file complaints with El Paso Police Department Internal Affairs or the designated civilian oversight body where applicable; contact and filing instructions are on the official police page.^[1]
Appeals & review: appeal routes for disciplinary outcomes are governed by department rules, civil service or bargaining agreements; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
Defences and discretion: policies commonly allow for officer discretion and defenses such as reasonable belief of imminent threat or defense of others; exact standards are detailed in departmental policy documents.

Internal discipline and criminal charges are separate processes and can proceed independently.

Applications & Forms

The police department provides complaint forms and instructions for reporting officer misconduct; specific form names or numbers are not specified on the cited pages. To file, use the department's official complaint portal or submit in person to Internal Affairs as described on the police website.^[1]

Action steps

Preserve evidence and record times, names, and badge numbers as soon as possible.
Seek medical help and document injuries with photos and medical records.
File a complaint with El Paso Police Internal Affairs via the official portal or in person.
Request a copy of the incident report and track appeal deadlines where provided.

Act quickly to preserve evidence and to meet any appeal or complaint deadlines.

FAQ

How do I file a complaint about use of force?: Report to El Paso Police Department Internal Affairs using the department's official complaint process; if urgent, call 911 for immediate safety. See the police department website for submission options.
Will the officer face criminal charges?: Criminal charges are separate and handled by prosecutors; internal discipline does not prevent criminal investigation or prosecution.
Can I get the officer disciplined?: Internal investigations can lead to discipline, but outcomes depend on findings, applicable rules, and any collective bargaining terms; exact procedures and sanctions are described in departmental policy and city ordinances.

How-To

Write down the incident details: date, time, location, officer names and badge numbers, witness names, and what you observed.
Collect evidence: photos of injuries, medical reports, video, and contact information for witnesses.
File a complaint with El Paso Police Internal Affairs online or in person and retain proof of filing.
Follow up on the complaint status with the contact provided by the department and consider consulting an attorney for civil options.

Key Takeaways

Official policy and complaint procedures are published by the El Paso Police Department.
Specific fines or dollar penalties for officer misconduct are not specified on the cited pages.