The City of Reno, and your Police Department, prides itself on being responsive to the needs and concerns of all citizens and guests of our community. Compliments, complaints or criticism of our services are accepted as meaningful indications of the job we are doing, and provide us with information to better serve you.

While we strive to provide service of the highest quality, we realize that with our high volume of public contact, coupled with the nature of our task, that not everyone may be completely satisfied. Additionally, not all people will clearly understand the reasons for the actions taken by police employees.

As a citizen you are encouraged to contact the Police Department if you have a complaint or concern about the actions of a police officer, if you believe the officer violated the law or his conduct was inappropriate. To receive citizen complaints the Police Department maintains an Internal Affairs Office in a location away from the Police Station. The non-uniformed staff can answer questions about the actions of officers, initiate a complaint against an officer, and conduct a complete, fair and impartial investigation of a citizen complaint. Although we encourage citizens to report police misconduct, complaints must be truthful, accurate and made in good faith. If it is determined that the police employee acted improperly, he or she will be subject to discipline by the Department. If the officer's actions were criminal, the matter will be referred to the District Attorney's Office.

Q: How do you register a Compliment?

A: You can submit a compliment by filling out the submit a compliment Form. If you would like to provide feedback to the Department related to a positive interaction you have had with one of our employees you may contact an on-duty Patrol Supervisor or Watch Commander by calling Dispatch at 775-334-2121, or calling Reno Direct at 775-334-INFO (4636), or e-mail askrpd@reno.gov. You may also utilize the appropriate form above by clicking the blue button on the site header and sending it in as specified.

Q: What is a Concern or Procedural Question?

A: You may have had contact with a Police Department employee during which you felt their demeanor or actions, in your opinion, were questionable or you desire clarification on proper procedure. You are invited to ask questions about these types of issues, and we will try to respond quickly to your inquiry. Ask your question by contacting an on-duty Patrol Supervisor or Watch Commander by calling Dispatch at 775-334-2121, or calling Reno Direct at 775-334-INFO (4636), or e-mail askrpd@reno.gov

Q: What is a Complaint?

A: A complaint is an allegation of circumstances amounting to a specific act, or omission, which if proven true would amount to misconduct. It is an expression of dissatisfaction with a policy, procedure, practice, service level or legal standard.

Q: Who May Make a Complaint?

A: Any person who witnessed an incident, who feels that the Police Department has treated him or her in an adverse manner, or has direct or well-founded knowledge of inappropriate actions by any Department employee, may make a complaint.

Q: How Do You Register a Compliment, Concern, or Complaint?

A: You can submit a compliment or complaint by filling out the submit a compliment or complaint Form. A compliment, concern, or complaint may also be made verbally or in writing at any time of the day or night to any police supervisory personnel. During business hours, if you visit the Police station, you will be referred to an on-duty Watch Commander or a Patrol Supervisor. If you wish to call, you can use the Dispatch non-emergency number, 775-334-2121, 24 hours a day, and ask for the on-duty Patrol Supervisor or Watch Commander.

Q: What Happens When You Make a Complaint?

A: Every citizen complaint or compliment is reviewed by the Internal Affairs Division. If the complaint involves conduct that, if substantiated, violates police procedures or laws, an investigation will occur. Complaints may be forwarded to the involved employee’s direct supervisor for handling, or an Internal Affairs investigation may be initiated based on the severity of the allegations. The completed investigation is reviewed by the employee’s chain of command and corrective action may be recommended to the Chief of Police for final determination..

The Reno Police Department assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, income, or limited English proficiency (LEP) as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related authorities, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any Reno Police Department sponsored program or activity. The Reno Police Department further assures every effort will be made to ensure non-discrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not.

Any individual, group of individuals, or entity that believes they have been subjected to discrimination prohibited by nondiscrimination requirements may file a written compliant with the Reno Police Department. A formal complaint must be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged occurrence. The Reno Police Department will not officially act or respond to complaints made verbally. submit a compliment or complaint to the RPD.

Upon receiving the written complaint, the Reno Police Department will determine its jurisdiction, acceptability, need for additional information, and the investigative merit of the complaint. Once determined to be a valid complaint, the case will be forwarded to the Internal Affairs Division of the Reno Police Department for investigation.