Show All Answers

1. 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.

2. Can a complaint be filed anonymously?

No, the State and County enabling legislation requires that contact information of the Complaint or a person filling on behalf of the complainant. See MARYLAND POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2021—POLICE DISCIPLINE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES, PUBLIC SAFETY § 3–102, (c)(1) 

3. Can I come in person to file a complaint?

Yes, however, please call 301-883-5042 to schedule an appointment. 

4. What information must be 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.  

5. Where do I file my complaint?

• A complaint may be completed electronically on the PAB’s webpage. Please download or print a copy of your completed Complaint Form and email pgpab@co.pg.md.us.,
• Fax to 301-883-2655, 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 mail or email, please call the PAB on 301-883-5042. 

6. 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. 

7. 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 they want to withdraw the complaint after it has been transferred, they must contact the law enforcement agency department directly to make that request.   

8. Do you have to know the officer's badge or car number?

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

9. Can I file a complaint about an officer involved incident that I witnessed?

Yes. Please include as much information as you may have about the officer and the incident you witnessed.

10. Do I need to know the exact address of where the incident took place?

No. However, please provide as much information as you may have, so that investigators can determine the address or location of the incident.

11. Is there a limit to how many supporting documents I can send?

If you are submitting your complaint online using the complaint portal, there is a 25mb limit for the information you can attach to your online complaint. If you are submitting your complaint by email, the amount of information you can attach depends on the limit set by your email service provider. If you are submitting by regular mail or in person, there is no limit.  However, please be mindful of the amount of information and documents you submit.

12. Do I attach original documents to support my complaint, or can it be a copy?

You may attach legible copies.