Complaint Process

As an alternative to filing a formal complaint, you may request mediation. Mediation provides an opportunity for police employees to hear how you perceive their actions and for you to explain what made you angry or confused. It is also a chance for police employees to explain their actions and point of view. Mediation is voluntary, confidential, collaborative, and non-judgmental.

Filing a Complaint

Do you have concerns about the way you were treated by a member of the Greensboro Police Department? You may file a complaint about the incident within 60 days after it occurred. All complaints are sent to PSD for investigation and kept on file with the Police Community Review Board (PCRB).

You may file a complaint against a member of the GPD one of these four ways.

Please provide as much information as possible about the incident, such as the time and date of occurrence, location, the officer’s name/badge number (if known), and the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses.

PSD Investigation and Determination

Your complaint will be assigned to an investigator in PSD or the appropriate supervisor in the officer’s chain of command for investigation. 

PSD thoroughly investigates all complaints by interviewing you and witnesses, looking at all of the evidence, and interviewing the accused employee. When the investigation is complete and the findings reviewed by the employee's chain of command, PSD sends you a "Determination Letter." This letter includes a summary of the case, the findings about your complaint, and a ruling on the matter. This information is also forwarded to PCRB.

The findings are categorized in these ways:

  • Sustained: The allegation is proven by evidence.
  • Unfounded: The allegation is false or the facts show the accused could not have committed the violation.
  • Not Sustained: There is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation.
  • Exonerated: The allegation did occur, but the employee involved acted lawfully and properly.

If the allegation is sustained against the employee, the Chief of Police or a supervisor will take appropriate corrective measures.