Filing a complaint is an act of empowerment. It is a statement that you are concerned about the actions of an Atlanta police or corrections officer, but filing the complaint requires five essential actions to ensure that all available information is included in the investigation.
- Sign and return the complaint form – If you file a complaint by phone and receive a complaint form in the mail, you must sign and return the complaint form to the ACRB in order for an investigation to be initiated into your complaint. The signed complaint form can be returned by using the self-addressed stamped envelope mailed with the complaint form or in person at the ACRB office.
- Provide medical release form – If you are alleging that an officer injured you during a police interaction, you must complete a medical release form if you sought medical treatment. This is important to address your injuries fairly and accurately. If a medical release form is mailed to you, please sign it, and return it to the agency. The agency provides a stamped self-addressed envelope.
- Provide witness contact information – If you have contact information for witnesses, you must provide the contact details. This is important to include in your investigation. If possible, you should obtain the witness contact information before your interview o you can provide it to the investigator.
- Provide video/audio recordings – If you know about any recordings that captured your incident, you must provide the recordings. The recordings may provide additional perspective and information related to your allegations.
- Show up for your interview – If you file a complaint and the complaint is not anonymous, you must participate in the investigative interview. This is important to ensure that your experience is fully accounted for during the investigation. The interview may help you provide additional details that were not covered in your complaint filing.