WASHINGTON, DC – The District of Columbia Office of Police Complaints (OPC) and its governing body, the Police Complaints Board (PCB), today released its Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report. The report includes information and data on complaints received and investigated by OPC, updates on body-worn camera (BWC) compliance by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, a summary of the policy recommendations issued by the PCB and information on OPC’s community outreach initiatives.
In FY19, OPC received 811 complaints, making this the third consecutive year of receiving a record number of complaints. OPC also opened 471 new investigations and conducted more than 652 interviews, which included 452 community members and 200 officer interviews.
Additionally, BWC continues to enhance the agency’s ability to conduct police misconduct investigations. OPC found relevant BWC video in 82 percent of cases investigated. However, 35 percent of those cases included some form of BWC non-compliance. Community members not being notified by MPD officers that they were being recorded accounted for the largest non-compliance category at 22 percent.
The PCB also issued five policy recommendations this fiscal year, which examined and addressed large-scale concerns about District law enforcement policies, training or supervision. To date, the Board has issued a total of 54 reports and sets of recommendations for police reform.
OPC continued its outreach efforts, conducting more than 50 outreach events throughout the District of Columbia. The agency further expanded its outreach to neighborhood and civic organizations by presenting at Advisory Neighborhood Commissions in the District. OPC also continues to collaborate with various organizations through its Community Partnership Program.
“OPC and the Board believe in transparency and accountability,” said Michael G. Tobin, OPC’s executive director. “Our annual report shows the public the work we have been doing to increase community trust in the police department and promote accountability.”
To view the full report, visit www.policecomplaints.dc.gov.