File a Complaint

PLEASE NOTE:

The process outlined on this page is for filing complaints against members of the United States Park Police only. To file a complaint against other employees of the National Park Service, please contact the local park's Office of the Superintendent.

The United States Park Police Internal Affairs Unit documents and investigates allegations of misconduct against Department personnel that are received both through internal (administrative) and external (citizen generated) means. When filing a complaint, please include as much of the following information as possible to help ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted:

• Describe the incident, to include the date, time and location

• The officer’s name, badge number, and description

• Identification of any witnesses, to include names, addresses, and telephone numbers

• Vehicle description, to include the tag number and the State of registration.

Filing a Complaint

Persons who wish to file a complaint with the United States Park Police have several ways to do so. A complaint may be filed:

• In person at any United States Park Police facility.

• By calling the Internal Affairs Unit at [phone], Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Afterhours or when personnel are not available, a message may be left on the 24-hour recorded line; someone will return the call within 48 hours.)

• By calling the United States Park Police Communications Center at [phone] (24 hours).

• By emailing your complaint. Click here to email your complaint..

• By downloading a USPP 44-06 (Citizen Complaint Report), which should be completed and signed prior to submitting it by traditional mail at the address below, or by facsimile to the Internal Affairs Unit at [phone].

• By mailing a letter that describes the complaint or mailing the completed USPP Form 44-02 (Complainant/Witness Statement) to the Internal Affairs Unit at the following address: United States Park Police, Office of Professional Responsibility, Internal Affairs Unit, 1100 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, DC 20024

The Complaint Process

When a complaint is received, the Internal Affairs Unit sends a letter notifying the complainant that the complaint has been received and assigned for investigation.

The supervisor assigned to the case will conduct a thorough investigation, to include an interview of the involved employee and any witnesses that have been identified. The investigating supervisor may contact the complainant for additional information or to clarify information already provided. The investigating supervisor will make a determination concerning the complaint based upon the proven facts. The decision will be one of the following four findings:

• Unfounded – the allegation is false or not factual.
• Exonerated – the actions were proper.
• Not Sustained – the complaint can be neither proved nor disproved.
• Sustained – the actions were improper.

If an allegation is sustained, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the affected employee. The complainant will be notified by letter with the results of the investigation. In accordance with law and out of respect for the employee’s privacy, we do not release what specific discipline was imposed on the employee.