Independent Police Oversight Board (IPOB)
Mayor Annise D. Parker
By Executive Order, Mayor Parker created the new Independent Police Oversight Board (IPOB) to have community involvement in various aspects of Houston Police Department services. The panel consists of 29 members appointed by the mayor, reflecting the demographic and geographic diversity of the city. Members are experts in criminal justice, including retired judges and prosecutors, civil rights attorneys and academic experts or scholars.
The IPOB has unfettered access to all records and police department data and the full cooperation of HPD. Duties include:
- review all internal affairs investigations involving allegations of excessive force or the discharge of firearms and other major incidents
- review all disciplinary cases and make its own recommendations to the chief of police regarding discipline
- review and make recommendations to the police chief and mayor regarding the hiring of new police officers, training on proper treatment of citizens, evaluation of officer conduct and community concerns relating to police misconduct
- report findings to the Mayor, Chief of Police, and Council Public Safety Committee
- obtain public input through community outreach initiatives
IPOB COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Your group or civic association may request a presentation by the Board on by calling 832.393.6415.
For questions about serving on IPOB, contact Jenn Char, Mayor’s Director of Boards and Commissions, at 832.393.0814.
The Board does not directly take complaints from the public on police misconduct. However, the following outlines the sources and processes for making such complaints:
OPTIONS FOR REPORTING POLICE MISCONDUCT
If you believe the conduct of an officer is inappropriate, you may consider one of the following options:
- Request to speak to the officer’s immediate supervisor at the scene.
- Make a complaint to any supervisor at any police station (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
- Complete a Complaints of Excessive Force by a Police Officer form (below)
HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT?
Fill Out A Form (Requires Signature in Front of a Notary Public)
State law requires that forms about complaints involving police officers be sworn under oath and verified by a notary public. The following forms should be used:
- Fill out a form for Complaints About Police Misconduct (.html)
- Forma: Queja Por Un Acto Ilícito Cometido Por Un Funcionario (.pdf)
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO FILE A COMPLAINT
You also have the ability to file a complaint at any of the following locations or by mail.
If you prefer to mail a complaint, you must complete a detailed letter describing the incident and the letter must be mailed to one of the following agencies:
HPD Internal Affairs Division / Central Intake Office
1200 Travis Street, Suite 2001
Houston, Texas 77002
713.308.0040
City of Houston Office of Inspector General
900 Bagby, 4th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
832.394.5100
Greater Houston L.U.L.A.C. Council 4967
6200 Gulf Freeway, Suite 410
Houston, Texas 77023
832.883.2510
N.A.A.C.P. Houston Branch
2002 Wheeler Avenue
Houston, Texas 77004
713.526.3389
What Happens To My Complaint After It Is Received?
All complaints received are processed through HPD�s Central Intake Office. When a complaint is received, it is reviewed to determine the nature of the allegations. The most serious type of complaints are investigated by HPD�s Internal Affairs Division. These complaints involve allegations such as excessive force, any discharge of firearms, or criminal activity such as theft. Complaints comparatively less serious in nature, such as rude behavior or improper procedure, are forwarded to the individual officer's division for investigation. In every case, the person making the complaint will be contacted during the investigation for additional information, and will be notified by mail of the final disposition.
RELEVANT LINKS