After a community member files a complaint, the IPR will assign the case to an intake investigator for a preliminary review. The investigator will interview the complainant(s). The IPR Director will then choose to have the complaint handled in one of four ways:

• PPB Referral: The case can be referred to the Police Bureau Internal Affairs for their review and handling.
• Dismissal: The complaint can be dismissed if the IPR Director concludes that the allegation is obviously false, involves an agency other than the Portland Police Bureau, is without merit, or if the complainant is using another remedy (e.g. such as a tort claim). The case will then be closed and the complainant will receive a letter explaining why the case was dismissed.
• Mediation: In certain cases, with the approval of both the complainant and the police officer, the case can be mediated. IPR will arrange for an outside mediator to meet with you and the officer with the intent to clear up any misunderstandings by discussing the incident in an informal and non-confrontational setting.
• Referral: Certain cases may be referred to other City Bureaus if they can more appropriately deal with the complaint. For example, if there is evidence of criminal conduct, the IPR Director can refer the case to the PPB or the District Attorney's Office for a criminal investigation. If the complaint involves a non-PPB officer, then the complaint will be referred to the appropriate police department.