OPS Frequently Asked Questions
How can I file a complaint against an employee of the Cleveland Division of Police?
There are a number of ways to file a complaint:
- You can complete and submit an online complaint form through our website: CLICK HERE
- You can come in person to our office. Our address is 205 West St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44113. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. You do not need to have an appointment.
- You can email us at: CLEPoliceComplaints@city.clevelandohio.gov
- You can download a complaint form, complete it, and fax it to us. Fax number: 216-420-8764.
- You can download a complaint form, complete it, and send it to our address: 205 West St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44113 via US Mail.
- You can file a complaint through the phone. Please call us at 216-664-2944.
- You can visit any of the five Cleveland Division of Police District Stations or the Cleveland Division of Police Headquarters (address: 1300 Ontario St. Cleveland, Ohio 44112) and file a complaint there.
- You can visit Cleveland City Hall (Room 228) and file a complaint there.
- If you ask for a complaint form from officers in the field, they are required to provide one. If the complaint is against that officer, they are required to advise a supervisor that you would like a complaint form.
Who can file a complaint with OPS?
Anyone may file a complaint with OPS, including subjects of police incidents, recipients of police services, a witness to a police incident, a third party, a legal representative, an anonymous person, the OPS Administrator, or a member of the CPRB. To file a complaint online, please, click here.
What is the difference between the Office of Professional Standards and the Civilian Police Review Board?
The Office of Professional Standards is the fact-finding agency that is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct, including conducting interviews and analyzing evidence. Then, OPS investigators present their findings and recommendations to the Civilian Police Review Board in the context of a public hearing at City Hall.
The Civilian Police Review Board is composed of nine members, and they are responsible for reviewing all evidence, including interviews, documentation, and recorded incident footage, as well as investigators' final report. Then, they adjudicate, or render judgment, based on the evidence.
May I attend a hearing of the Civilian Police Review Board?
Complainants are encouraged to attend the CPRB hearing during which their case will be reviewed. In fact, following the investigator's report and questioning by the CPRB, complainants are provided a strictly-enforced three-minute window in which to voice their own comments to the CPRB. Complainants are notified in advance when their complaint is scheduled to be reviewed by the CPRB.
Additionally, all CPRB hearings are open to the public and free to attend either in person at Cleveland City Hall or via livestream at the link below. Hearings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00am.
Date: The second Tuesday of each month
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Ave Room 514, Cleveland, OH 44114
Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjvji5gYnraY74Emrj6N5wg
Can my organization request a presentation by and resources from the Office of Professional Standards?
The Office of Professional Standards offers presentations to community centers, community organizations, high schools, community colleges, universities, sports clubs, churches, neighborhood groups, business associations, and local agencies.
For more information or to request a presentation, please call (216) 664-2944, send us an email, or complete the form found on the Community Outreach page.