File a Complaint of Police Misconduct

For Incidents Before July 1, 2022:

• Complainants MUST follow the instructions and use the form in this link complaint form (PDF). If this is a use of force or brutality complaint, please follow the specific instructions on the complaint form regarding Use of Force or Brutality complaints. All complaints will be reviewed and processed by the Office of Integrity, Compliance and Police Accountability. 

For Incidents After July 1, 2022:

• In accordance with the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021, Prince George’s County announced a new complaint process for filing complaints of misconduct against law enforcement officers employed in the County. This includes the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Office of the Sheriff for Prince George’s County, and municipal police departments located in the County.  This complaint process is effective as of July 1, 2022.   
• Fill out the complaint via one of the methods listed below. Once filed, the new Police Accountability Board will forward your complaint to the appropriate law enforcement agency within three (3) days after receipt of the complaint for investigation. 

          

Fill Out Online Complaint Form         Download Complaint Form (PDF)

CAN COMPLAINTS BE FILED IN PERSON?

Yes, however, please call 301-883-5042 to schedule an appointment. No walk-ins.  

 

WHERE TO FILE THE COMPLAINT

• A complaint may be completed and filed electronically above.
• If you wish to download and or print a complaint form, choose the PDF option above.  Email or mail the completed form to pgpab@co.pg.md.us, or Mail to 9200 Basil Court, Suite 406, Largo, Maryland 20774

 For assistance or to request that a complaint form be sent to you via email, please call the PAB at 301-883-5042.

 

WHO CAN FILE A COMPLAINT?

• An alleged victim of police misconduct;
• Any individual having personal knowledge of alleged police misconduct;
• Any person filing the complaint on behalf of either person described above; or 
• A person who is in possession of or has access to a video or audio recording that captures the alleged police misconduct. 
   

WHAT INFORMATION TO INCLUDED IN THE COMPLAINT?

All complaints of police misconduct filed with the PAB must include the following information:

• The name of the officer(s) accused of alleged misconduct.
• A description of the facts on which the complaint is based; and
• Contact information of the complainant or a person filing on behalf of the complainant for investigative follow-up.
• You may also include any documentation, video or audio recordings, or other materials that may constitute potential evidence related to the complaint.

WHAT HAPPENS TO A COMPLAINT THAT IS SUBMITTED TO THE PAB?

The PAB forwards complaints of police misconduct to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 3 days after receipt by the PAB for investigation. The complainant will receive a follow-up from the appropriate law enforcement agency conducting the investigation. 
 

HOW DO I WITHDRAW A COMPLAINT?

A complainant may withdraw a complaint of misconduct, in writing, up to the time the complaint has been transferred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for review. If a complainant wants to withdraw the complaint after it has been transferred, they must contact the law enforcement agency directly to make the request.

DO I NEED TO KNOW THE OFFICER’S BADGE OR CAR NUMBER?

No. However, providing as much information as possible about the officer(s) involved in your complaint is helpful.

CAN I FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT AN OFFICER-INVOLVED INCIDENT THAT I WITNESSED?

Yes. Include as much information as possible about the officer and the incident you witnessed.

DO I NEED TO KNOW THE EXACT ADDRESS OF WHERE THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE?

No. However, please provide as much information as possible, so investigators can determine the address or location of the incident.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW MANY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS I CAN SEND?

Complaints submitted online using the complaint portal have a 25 MB limit on information that can be attached with the complaint. Complaints and attachments sent by email will be limited to parameters set by the email service provider. There are no limits for complaints and attachments submitted in person or by mail. Complainants should be mindful of the amount of information and documents submitted.

DO I ATTACH ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS TO SUPPORT MY COMPLAINT, OR CAN IT BE A COPY?

It is recommended that Complainants retain the original copy of any attachment. Providing copies of attachments is encouraged. All documents should be legible.