File a Police Misconduct Complaint - Spokane
In Spokane, Washington, anyone who believes they experienced or witnessed police misconduct can file a complaint with the Spokane Police Department. This guide explains where to submit complaints, which office enforces investigations, typical outcomes, and practical steps to preserve evidence and follow up. It summarizes official sources and points you to the exact pages and forms on city and municipal-code sites so you can act promptly and with the correct paperwork.
Who handles complaints
The Spokane Police Department maintains an internal complaints process managed by Internal Affairs or the designated complaint unit. To start a complaint, contact the police department records or Internal Affairs office directly; an official complaint form or intake process is published by the city. [1]
How to file
- Make an in-person complaint at the Spokane Police Department or city customer service center.
- Call the department to ask about the complaint intake process and request the complaint form.
- Submit a written complaint by mail or email to the address on the official complaint page.
- Note any statutory or administrative deadlines—if none are listed on the city page, ask the intake officer for filing time limits.
Penalties & Enforcement
Official Spokane materials describe the complaint intake and investigation pathways but do not list standard monetary fines tied to individual misconduct findings on the cited pages. Where the city or department posts sanction schedules or civil penalties, those specific figures appear there; if not, they are "not specified on the cited page." [2]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are governed by internal policies and applicable collective-bargaining or civil-service rules; specific escalations are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: administrative reprimands, suspension, termination recommendations, and referrals for criminal prosecution are possible; exact remedies are determined by the department or appointing authority and are not fully listed on the cited page.
- Enforcer: Spokane Police Department Internal Affairs or the designated complaint unit handles investigations; some cases may be referred to the City Attorney or county/state prosecutors.
- Inspection/complaint pathway: file with Internal Affairs via the city intake methods on the official complaint page.[1]
- Appeals/review: appeal or review routes depend on the disposition and the department's published procedures; specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences/discretion: investigations consider lawful use-of-force rules, officer training, and any authorized actions or exceptions; where permits or variances apply, they will be noted in the department policy documents if published.
Applications & Forms
The city publishes complaint intake instructions and form availability on the official police or city services pages. If a specific downloadable complaint form number or fee exists, it is shown on the city page; if not, no form number or fee is published on the cited pages. [1]
Evidence and preserving records
- Keep photos, video, medical records, and contact details of witnesses.
- Record the date and time you first report the complaint and any reference or case numbers given.
- Request copies of any officer reports or body-worn camera evidence through the public-records process if not automatically provided.
Action steps
- Step 1: Document the incident and gather evidence immediately.
- Step 2: Contact Spokane Police Department Internal Affairs or the complaint intake office to begin the process.[1]
- Step 3: Complete and submit any required complaint form by mail, email, or in person per the city page.
- Step 4: Track the investigation and request status updates; if dissatisfied with the outcome, ask about review or appeal options.
FAQ
- Who can file a complaint?
- Any person who witnessed or experienced alleged police misconduct can file a complaint with the Spokane Police Department or the city intake office.
- How long does an investigation take?
- Investigation timelines vary by case severity and workload; the city page does not specify standard timelines, so ask the intake officer for expected timeframes.
- Will I be notified of the outcome?
- The department typically provides a disposition or response; specific notice procedures are detailed on the department complaint page if published.
How-To
- Write a clear summary of the incident including date, time, location, and officer names or badge numbers if known.
- Collect and preserve evidence: photos, video, witness contacts, and medical records.
- File the complaint with Spokane Police Department Internal Affairs via the methods on the official city page.[1]
- Request a copy of the complaint and any tracking number; follow up if you do not receive acknowledgement.
- If unsatisfied with the result, ask about appeal or review steps listed by the department or pursue remedies with the City Attorney or civil service body where applicable.
Key Takeaways
- Document details and preserve evidence immediately after an incident.
- File with Spokane Police Internal Affairs and get a tracking number.
- Penalties and appeal timelines are determined by department policy and are not fully listed on the cited pages.
Help and Support / Resources
- Spokane Police Department - Internal Affairs
- Spokane Municipal Code (Municode)
- City of Spokane official services and contacts