DC Code § 5-1101 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 5 - Police, Firefighters, Medical Examiner, and Forensic Sciences|Chapter 11 - Review of Citizen Complaints Involving Police|Subchapter I - Police Complaints Board; Office of Police Complaints|§ 5-1101. Findings

The Council of the District of Columbia finds that: (1) The District of Columbia delegated to the Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) the vital task of protecting the safety of persons and property in the District of Columbia. This task is difficult, dangerous, and sensitive. (2) Most members of the MPD perform their duties with diligence, devotion, and sensitivity. From time to time, however, some members of the MPD do not act in accordance with the high standards of conduct that the people of the District of Columbia have a right to expect. On other occasions, honest misunderstandings arise between police officers and members of the public with whom they interact. (3) Because police officers have been given extraordinary powers, it is essential that there be an effective and efficient system for reviewing their exercise of police powers. Further, it is essential that both police officers and members of the public have confidence that this system of review is fair and unbiased. Members of the public must be aware of this system and have easy access to its processes. (4) The need for independent review of police activities is recognized across the nation. Effective independent review enhances communication and mutual understanding between the police and the community, reduces community tensions, deters police misconduct, and increases the public’s confidence in their police force. (5) Some complaints against police officers involve serious charges requiring formal disciplinary proceedings. Many, though, can be resolved through conciliation, mediation, or other dispute resolution techniques. An effective and efficient review mechanism should encompass a variety of procedures for dealing with different complaints in an appropriate manner.  (Mar. 26, 1999, D.C. Law 12-208, § 2, 45 DCR 8107.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 4-911. Emergency Legislation  For temporary (90 days) creation of the Police Reform Commission, see § 122 of Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-76, May 3, 2021, 68 DCR 004935).   For temporary (90 days) creation of the Police Reform Commission, see § 2 of Police Reform Commission Extension Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-28, Feb. 27, 2021, 68 DCR 002631).   For temporary (90 days) creation of the Police Reform Commission, see § 2 of Police Reform Commission Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-556, Dec. 26, 2020, 68 DCR 00226).   For temporary (90 days) creation of the Police Reform Commission, see § 122 of Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Second Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-336, July 22, 2020, 67 DCR 9148).  Temporary Legislation  For temporary (225 days) creation of the Police Reform Commission, see § 2 of Police Reform Commission Extension Temporary Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Law 23-266, Mar. 16, 2021, 68 DCR 001240).   For temporary (225 days) creation of the Police Reform Commission, see § 122 of Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Second Temporary Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Law 23-151, Dec. 3, 2020, 67 DCR 9920).