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IPR Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file an appeal?
Citizens and police officers may request an appeal to the Citizen Review Committee after a full investigation of the complaint is completed and the findings determined.      
 
To request an appeal, eligible complainants or officers must fill out a Request for Appeal Form, and fax, mail or deliver it to IPR.  The request must be received within 30 days of the notice advising the citizen or officer of their right to appeal.
 
 
IPR CRC Appeal Request Form
Download (PDF Document, 56kb)
What the Independent Police Review Division cannot do.
The IPR cannot take or investigate complaints against any jurisdictions other than the Portland Police Bureau. The IPR cannot fire or impose discipline upon police officers. The IPR will not independently investigate matters that are currently in litigation or where any party to the incident has filed a notice of tort claim against the City of Portland.
How do I file a commendation?

To file a commendation or compliment regarding a Portland Police Bureau employee you can fill out the IPR's electronic commendation form or mail a completed complaint/commendation form. You can also file a commendation by visiting any police precinct or calling the Portland Police Chief's office at 503-823-0000.

 
 
What happens after I file a commendation?
When a commendation is received, it will be forwarded to the Chief's office. A copy of your comments will then be sent to the officer(s) and his/her supervisor.
How do I file a complaint?
To file a complaint against a Portland Police Bureau officer you can fill out an electronic complaint form, call the IPR at 503-823-0146, mail in a completed Citizen Complaint/Commendation form, or visit the IPR's office. Please note that the IPR cannot accept anonymous complaints filed via the web. If you would like to file an anonymous complaint, you must do so by either US mail or telephone.
 
 
 
To file a complaint in person, please visit the IPR office at the following address:
 
Independent Police Review Division
City Hall
1221 SW 4th Ave., Room 320
Portland, Oregon 97204
How do I send the IPR a comment or question that is not a complaint?
The IPR would like to hear from citizens who have questions about the complaint process, or who would like to offer comments about either the IPR or the Portland Police Bureau. You can do this by either calling the IPR at 503-823-0146, visiting the IPR office, or by filling out the IPR's electronic question/comment form below. If you ask a question using the electronic form, an IPR staff member will try to respond within seven days.
 
 
What happens after I file a complaint?

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.
What happens if my complaint is referred to Internal Affairs for an investigation?

If the IPR Director refers the complaint to Internal Affairs (IA), they will assign the case to a complaint category (the categories are defined below). Once classified, IA will conduct its own investigation. The Independent Police Review division will monitor and review all IA investigations and findings. More importantly, IPR will be responsible for communicating with the person who filed the complaint and keeping them informed about the status of their case.

What happens after the PPB investigation is complete?
After the investigation is complete, a report on the investigation will be forwarded to a PPB commanding officer, PPB managers, and the IPR for review. They will review the evidence and issue a finding on the complaint. There are two general findings:
 
NOT SUSTAINED: The finding will not be sustained if it is found that:
  • The allegation(s) is false;
  • The actions of the police officer were within the guidelines of Police Bureau policy;
  • There is not enough evidence to prove or disprove the allegation(s);
  • The allegation(s) are of a minor rule violation that would not result in discipline, even if proven true.
SUSTAINED: The finding will be sustained if:
  • The officer was found to have been in violation of Police Bureau policy or procedure.
What happens if the complaint is sustained?
If the complaint is sustained, the IPR will notify the person who filed the complaint of the finding. PPB managers will recommend discipline actions to the Chief of Police. The Mayor may also review serious discipline actions, such as termination or suspension.
An officer against whom a complaint is sustained will have an opportunity to appeal the finding with the IPR.
What happens if a complaint is not sustained?
 
After a full investigation is completed and findings are determined, the person who filed the complaint or the officer who was the subject of the complaint will receive a letter explaining the decision.  Each has the right to request an appeal.  If no appeal is filed within 30 days, the case will be closed.
 
If a request for appeal is received, the CRC will decide whether to grant an appeal. If the CRC declines to hear the appeal, the parties are notified and the case is closed.  If the CRC agrees to hear the appeal, notice is sent to the parties along with information advising them of the date and time of the public hearing.
 
 
Complaint Categories
The PPB categorizes complaints into the following six types:
 
Force: An allegation that an officer used excessive or inappropriate physical or deadly physical force.
 
Control Techniques: An allegation that a "control technique" was used unreasonably or improperly. This would include control holds, hobble, "take downs," and handcuffing.
 
Conduct: An allegation that tends to bring reproach or discredit upon the Police Bureau or City of Portland. It involves behavior by a Bureau member that is unprofessional, unjustified, beyond the scope of their authority, or unsatisfactory work performance.
 
Disparate Treatment: Allegations of specific actions or statements that indicate inappropriate treatment of an individual that is different from the treatment of another because of race, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, economic status, political views, religious beliefs, or disability.
 
Courtesy: Allegations relating to rude or discourteous conduct, other than disparate treatment.
 
Procedure: Allegations that an administrative or procedural requirement was not met. This would normally include the failure of a police officer to follow general policies and procedures that relate to identification, report writing, notebook entries, and property/evidence handling.
 
If you have any questions about the complaint process or an investigation, please call or visit:
 
Independent Police Review Division
1221 SW 4th Ave., Room 320
Portland, Oregon 97204
503 823-0146
www.ci.portland.or.us/auditor/ipr

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