An informed public must have confidence that its police department honestly and fairly investigates and adjudicates all allegations of misconduct against its employees. Protection of the Employee Employees must be protected against false or misinformed allegations of misconduct. This can only be accomplished through a consistently thorough investigative process. Complaints less serious in nature against members of the Houston Police Department may be initiated by letter or in person. Complaints that meet certain criteria and are of the most serious nature may be initiated by phone.
State law requires that complaints involving police officers be sworn under oath and notarized.
All complaints received by the Department are processed through the Central Intake Office. When a complaint is received, it is reviewed to determine the nature of the allegations. The most serious type of complaints are investigated by the Internal Affairs Division. These complaints involve allegations such as excessive force, any discharge of firearms, or criminal activity such as theft. Complaints comparatively less serious in nature, such as rude behavior or improper procedure, are forwarded to the individual officer's division for investigation.