Agency reports on its efforts to improve community trust in the police department
(Washington, DC) – The District of Columbia’s Office of Police Complaints (OPC) and its governing body, the Police Complaints Board (PCB), today released the agency’s Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Report.
Over the past fiscal year, OPC received 1,420 inquiries, which is the most the agency has received since its opening in 2001. In addition, OPC worked on 666 complaints, closing 526 of them. The agency also closed the year with the lowest number of open complaints than any year since 2001.
In addition, OPC’s mediation program recorded a record the highest rate of case referrals and resolutions. In Fiscal Year 2015, the agency referred 80 complaints to mediations in which 55 mediation sessions were held. Out of the 55 sessions, 42 resulted in an agreement between the complainant and the police officer, reflecting a 76 percent success rate.
Additionally, PCB issued five policy reports and recommendations, which examined and addressed smaller-scale concerns about District law enforcement policies, training, or supervision. To date, PCB has issued a total of 37 reports and set of recommendations.
OPC also continued its involvement with the Metropolitan Police Department’s body-worn camera program by assessing the Department’s policies and training for the implementation of its six-month pilot program. In addition, the agency implemented recommendations from President Barack Obama’s Task Force on Policing in the 21st Century.
In February 2015, the agency expanded its outreach efforts by creating a “Community Partnership Program.” The program provides the public with greater access to information about OPC through various community organizations, associations, and government agencies.
As part of OPC international outreach efforts, the agency hosted several international visitors, including delegations from the Philippines, Russia, Columbia, Panama, and El Salvador. OPC staff also met with a high-ranking official from the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Interior.
To view a full copy of PCB’s 2015 Annual Report, visit the agency’s website at www.policecomplaints.dc.gov.