(Washington, DC) – The Office of Police Complaints (OPC) today launched several enhancements to its website.  The changes include information on the progress of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and other District agencies in implementing policy recommendations, an easier-to-use printable complaint form, and an option to commend the work of individual MPD officers.

Since its inception, the Police Complaints Board, the governing body of OPC, has issued numerous policy recommendations to District police departments and agencies aimed at improving citizen interactions with officers, enhancing police accountability, and improving policing overall.  OPC’s website now features updates on the progress made toward implementation of these policy recommendations.  In addition, users of the website can more easily navigate the list of policy reports.

OPC has also updated its online complaint form to allow members of the public to type in the necessary information and print out the document upon completion.  Users of the website will still have the option of printing out their form first and submitting a handwritten complaint.

Among other things, the law establishing OPC explicitly seeks to reduce tension between the police and the public by fostering increased communication and understanding.  Consistent with this goal, OPC has introduced a new feature on its website allowing citizens to submit commendations praising MPD officers who do exemplary work.  

“The website enhancements offer the public better access to information about the services we provide,” said Philip K. Eure, executive director of OPC.  “Visitors to the website can monitor MPD’s progress in implementing our recommendations, more easily file complaints, and submit commendations for police officers.

For more information about the OPC, visit our website at www.policecomplaints.dc.gov.