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Police

File a Complaint

We understand that public confidence in the police is based on trust. We know how important it is for our community to rely on a process that holds individuals accountable.

If you would like to file a complaint, you can fill out the below form. This will file a complaint with our Professional Standards and Internal Affairs (PSIA) unit. You may also call PSIA to file a complaint:

  • PSIA Lieutenant: 608-266-6502
  • PSIA Sergeant: 608-266-4590
  • PSIA Detective Sergeant: 608-266-4694

You can also mail us a written complaint at:

  • Madison Police Department, Attn: PSIA, 211 S. Carroll Street, Madison, WI 53703

You can also send complaints to the Police and Fire Commission (PFC). If you would like to file a complaint with the PFC, you may contact any of the following:

Before sending a complaint, please note:

  • Wisconsin Public Records Laws may require us to release complaint information in public records requests.
  • We share summaries of many complaint investigations with the media.
  • We are required by law to inform you: “Whoever makes a false complaint regarding the conduct of a law enforcement officer is subject to a Class A forfeiture.” This means that if you knowingly make a false statement, you may have to pay up to $10,000.
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Letter from the Chief of Police

Dear Community Member,

Our mission statement reflects a desire on the part of the Madison Police Department (MPD) to provide quality services, which are accessible to everyone, in which rights are protected and people are treated with dignity. To the extent that this may have not been accomplished in your encounter with us, I am sorry if we did not measure up to your expectations.

The complaint process is one mechanism in which a community member can seek to have their concerns addressed in a formal way. Complaints can also be resolved on an informal basis. As you consider your options in moving forward, the MPD understands that public confidence in the police is predicated on trust. With this in mind, we have developed a complaint process that is transparent, accessible, and customer-focused. As public servants, we know how important it is for our community to rely on a process that holds individuals accountable.

Should you decide to pursue a formal complaint the various steps are described in this step-by-step instructional guideline. Please bear in mind that complaints and related documentation are subject to disclosure upon request pursuant to the parameters of Wisconsin's "Open Records" law(s). Also, our Department routinely discloses summaries of complaint investigations and their respective dispositions to the news media. Finally, by law, the Department is required to inform those who make a complaint that: "Whoever makes a false complaint regarding the conduct of a law enforcement officer is subject to a Class A forfeiture."

Most individuals choose to pursue a complaint through the internal procedures utilized by MPD's Professional Standards Unit. However, a person can certainly opt to take a complaint directly to the Madison Police and Fire Commission (PFC).

Individuals seeking to file their complaint(s) directly to the PFC can access forms by contacting PFC Attorney Jenna E. Rousseau (jrousseau@strangpatteson.com), the Mayor's Office or the City Clerk's Office. (It should be noted that any matters held before the PFC are open to the public. Documents related to PFC proceedings are also subject to public records review and subject to disclosure).

Respectfully,
John Patterson, Chief of Police

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