File a Complaint

Complaints

In order for the BRPD to effectively function in ridding the city of crime and disorder, it is essential that the public has confidence in the integrity of law enforcement.  To maintain this confidence, BRPD’s Internal Affairs Investigation provides a means to investigate and adjudicate complaints made against BRPD by community members. Grievances will be thoroughly and impartially handled.  



An investigation will be conducted in all citizen complaints involving employees of the BRPD. Upon receiving your complaint, the Internal Affairs Investigation will review, classify, and process the complaint. An investigator may contact you and obtain a tape-recorded statement of your complaint. The investigator will ask you to provide as much detailed information as possible regarding the incident. If you were involved in or witnessed the incident, this information will be extremely important to the investigation.

The investigator will contact all available witnesses, including police officers, examine all relevant evidence, and gather all information pertinent to each allegation. If for any reason there is a lengthy delay in the investigation you will be notified as to when you can expect to receive the results. After all, allegations have been fully investigated, the Chief of Police will determine what action, if any, should be taken to resolve the complaint.

The Findings

  • UNFOUNDED: The allegation is false or not factual.
  • EXONERATED: The incident occurred but the accused employee’s actions were lawful and proper.
  • NOT SUSTAINED: There is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegations. 
  • SUSTAINED: The allegation is supported by sufficient evidence.
  •  OTHER SUSTAINED MISCONDUCT: Supported allegations not included in the original complaint.

In all cases, the citizen will be notified in writing of the investigation findings. When a finding of "SUSTAINED" is made, the Chief of Police will determine what sanctions are appropriate. These sanctions range from oral or written reprimand to suspension, fine, demotion or dismissal from the Department.

If the complaint contains allegations of criminal wrongdoing, a criminal investigation may be conducted in addition to the administrative investigation. If the Criminal Investigation supports the allegations of criminal activity, the Office of the District Attorney will be consulted regarding the filing of criminal charges and the arrest of the offending employee.