File a Police Complaint in Tri-Cities, WA

Public Safety Washington 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Residents of Tri-Cities, Washington who believe they experienced police misconduct or unsatisfactory service can file a formal complaint with the responsible city police department. This guide explains where to submit complaints, what information to include, expected review steps, and how to appeal decisions in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. Use the city-specific procedures below to ensure your complaint reaches the correct office and is processed under the applicable local policies.

How to submit a complaint

Choose the police department that handled the incident. Complaints are usually accepted in person, by mail, by email, or via an online or printable complaint form. Provide your contact information, date and time of the incident, officer names or badge numbers if known, witness names, and any supporting evidence such as photos or video.

Keep a copy of everything you submit and note the date you filed.

What to include in your complaint

  • Clear description of events with date, time, and location.
  • Names or badge numbers of officers involved, if available.
  • Contact information for you and witnesses.
  • Copies of any supporting evidence (photos, video, medical records).

Penalties & Enforcement

Investigations of police conduct are generally administrative and conducted by the employing city police department or an internal affairs unit; outcomes depend on findings and applicable city personnel rules or collective bargaining agreements. Specific fines or statutory penalties for officer misconduct are not typically listed on municipal complaint pages; criminal conduct discovered during investigation may be referred to prosecutors.

  • Monetary fines for misconduct: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: reprimand, suspension, termination, or policy retraining may apply; specific options are typically set by department policy or collective bargaining agreements and are not fully detailed on the cited pages.
  • Enforcer: the city police department's internal affairs or professional standards unit handles investigations; contact details are on each department page above.[1]
  • Appeal/review: appeal routes and time limits are department-specific and are not fully specified on the cited pages; if applicable, the department or municipal code will list timelines or review boards.
  • Defences/discretion: departments may consider lawful orders, reasonable excuse, or approved uses of force and may allow for policy exceptions or variances under internal policy; specifics are not published on the linked complaint pages.
If you believe a crime occurred, request that the matter be referred to the county prosecutor.

Applications & Forms

Each city posts a citizen complaint form or instructions on how to file. The complaint forms are generally free; filing fees are not required. See the department pages above for downloadable forms or submission addresses.[1][2][3]

How-To

  1. Write a clear timeline of events including date, time, and location.
  2. Collect evidence and witness contact details.
  3. Download and complete the relevant city complaint form or write a signed letter detailing the complaint.
  4. Submit the form in person, by mail, or by any method listed on the city department page; keep a receipt or dated copy.
  5. Request confirmation of receipt and an estimated timeline for investigation.
  6. If dissatisfied with the outcome, ask about internal appeal procedures or seek referral to an external oversight body or county prosecutor.
Ask for a case or reference number when you file so you can track status.

FAQ

How long does an investigation take?
Timeframes vary by department and case complexity; specific timelines are not specified on the cited pages.
Can I file anonymously?
Some departments accept anonymous tips but formal complaints usually require contact information to allow for follow-up; check the department page for options.
Will filing a complaint affect my criminal case or traffic ticket?
Filing a civil complaint is separate from criminal or traffic proceedings; if criminal conduct is alleged, the matter may be referred to the prosecutor.

Key Takeaways

  • File with the city police department that handled the incident and keep copies of all materials.
  • Use official complaint forms from Kennewick, Pasco, or Richland to ensure proper processing.
  • Ask about appeal options early and request a case number.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Kennewick Police Department - Citizen Complaint
  2. [2] Pasco Police Department - Complaint Form
  3. [3] Richland Police Department - Citizen Complaint

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