What Is the Time Limit on Filing a Police Report for a Policeman?

Sometimes a person feels that they are not being treated fairly by the police, or they feel that an officer is not acting professionally. In times like this, citizens may choose to file a complaint against the officer.

Time Limit

• Generally, there is no time limit to filing a complaint against an officer, but the sooner you file the complaint the better. That way, the event is fresh in everyone's mind, and any action that needs to be taken can be done so quickly. Check with your police station to see if your area has different guidelines.

Superiors

• To file a complaint, you must go to the officer's superior. Generally, that will be the police chief, who can then consult the officer in question about the event in question. If the chief cannot be reached, you may go to the police captain, who will attempt to do the same thing.

Process

• If you cannot reach the police chief nor the captain, or in conjunction with reaching them, you may go to the police department and officially file the complaint. You will need to show documentation, including any citations that were issued or you are contesting. This is also your time to raise any questions you have and determine whether the officer's actions were within proper procedure.