(Washington DC) The Office of Police Complaints (OPC) recently participated in an interactive panel discussion hosted by Howard University’s Pre-Law Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International and Ubiquity, Inc. The event was held at Howard University’s Armour J. Blackburn Center on November 7, 2011.
The panel discussion was focused on common misconceptions about the law, educating students about their rights when interacting with police, and understanding the judicial system.
OPC’s Deputy Director Christian J. Klossner explained the agency’s mission and jurisdiction, and answered questions on the agency’s process for investigating and resolving police misconduct complaints. In addition, OPC staff distributed informational materials, including brochures and hotline cards, as well as information regarding the agency’s internship program.
Other participants in the panel discussion spoke about their personal experiences with alleged police brutality and techniques for successfully navigating the criminal justice system. OPC has jurisdiction to investigate allegations of unnecessary or excessive force filed by the public against officers of the Metropolitan Police Department and D.C. Housing Authority’s Office of Public Safety.
“It’s very important for us to reach out to the community, especially to college students in the Washington, DC, area,” said Christian J. Klossner, deputy director of OPC. “The panel discussion was a great opportunity for young adults to hear about the field of police oversight and accountability.”
To request someone from OPC to be a part of your organization’s program, please contact the agency’s Public Affairs Specialist Nykisha Cleveland at 202-727-3838. To get more information about the OPC, please visit our website at www.policecomplaints.dc.gov.