Know Your Rights

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides several “Know Your Rights” guides:

• Know Your Rights | Stopped by Police | ACLU

• Know Your Rights | Immigrants' Rights | ACLU

• Know Your Rights When You Protest | ACLU of Michigan

How to file a complaint against the Detroit Police Department

When Detroit police don’t meet your expectations, you should file a complaint with the Office of the Chief Investigator (OCI).

That includes:

• Lack or delay of service

• Misconduct (anything from verbal disrespect to inappropriate use of force)

Volume of complaints is an important data point for measuring the level of dissatisfaction with police service and treatment in a population. Trending complaint data should be used to inform how policy should change to meet the public’s expectations and make our communities safer. Every complaint that is not filed is a voice unheard.    

Complaint Tips:

• Collect identifying information for your report if possible - Officer name(s), badge number(s), vehicle ID number, time, date, location, etc.

• Although residents have the option to file complaints at police precincts, doing so is not a check-and-balance best practice. If possible, file complaints directly with OCI in person, over the phone, or online. OCI is a separate entity from the police department.

• Although anonymous complaints are accepted, lack of complainant participation makes completing a thorough investigation more challenging. Please consider providing accurate contact information and participating in the follow up interview.