Types of Complaints
The Citizen Complaint Authority is charged with investigation of serious interventions by City of Cincinnati police officers, including but not limited to:
- Discharge of Firearms: Any and all discharging of a firearm by a Cincinnati Police Officer either intentional or accidental. This includes accidental discharge of a firearm whether the projectile strikes anything or not, and intentional shooting by a police officer.
- Death in Custody: A person who dies while in police custody whether or not the Cincinnati Police Officer's action contributed to the death. "In Custody" is defined as under the control of the police. The control does not have to be an arrest or physical possession of a person.
- Improper Pointing of Firearms: When a Cincinnati Police Officer draws his firearm (weapon) from the holster and points it in the direction of, or at, a person.
- Improper Search: The search of one's property (residence, vehicle, etc.) or person without just cause or a search warrant. The search is not unreasonable if it is incident to an arrest or written permission is granted to conduct the search. The courts have granted exceptions to search without a search warrant and each specific incident should be reviewed based on its facts.
- Improper Seizure: The seizure of one's property without the permission of the owner/possessor or a warrant. The courts have granted exceptions to a seizure without a search warrant and each specific incident should be reviewed based on its facts.
- Discrimination: Contact or action by a Cincinnati Police Officer that was motivated by the race, gender or age of a person.
- Use of Force: A Cincinnati Police Officer's use of some type of force whether physical, instrumental, or physical contact restricting the movement of a person.
- Excessive Force: A Cincinnati Police Officer's use of some type of force, whether physical or by instrument, that is beyond what is reasonably necessary.
Citizens can file a complaint in person, by telephone at 513-352-1600, by mail, email, or online. Citizen Complaint Authority will also accept complaints by third parties.