How does an individual report a police officer in Gainesville, Florida for misconduct?

When a police officer engages in an act of misconduct and causes harm to an individual, the individual can file a complaint with the Internal Affairs Unit of the Gainesville Police Department. The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for handling complaints filed against officers.

If an individual feels their rights were violated during their encounter with a Gainesville police officer or they were injured as a result of an officer abusing their right to apply force, they can start the complaint process by filling out the Internal Affairs Citizen Complaint Form which can be accessed by clicking here and submitting it to the agency or the City of Gainesville Equal Opportunity Department (EOD)

After a Complaint Has Been Submitted

After an individual has submitted their complaint, it will be forwarded to the Internal Affairs Division and they can expect the following to occur:

According to the Gainesville Police Department’s website, an Administrative Investigation Referral Form shall be completed in order for the division to begin the formal complaint process and investigation.
The Inspector of Police will send a letter to the complainant acknowledging they received their complaint form.

Important: If the complaint is considered minor, it shall be investigated by the Bureau Commanders for investigation.

The complainant may be contacted to complete an interview, which may or may not be done at the police department.
An investigator or supervisor will then conduct an initial investigation.
The investigator will gather documentation that may or may not support the allegations made in the complaint and submit it to the Inspector of Police to review it.
The Inspector will determine using the information he/she receives whether misconduct may have occurred.
If the Inspector determines that no misconduct occurred, the information shall be forwarded to the Chief of Police for review. If the Chief agrees with the findings, the complainant will be notified of this.
In the event the Inspector determines the officer in question may have engaged in an act of misconduct, then the investigation shall continue and the Chief of Police shall make a final decision on the matter.

What if the complainant doesn’t agree with the decision that was made on their case?

If the complainant doesn’t agree with the decision that was made, they may make any objections in writing or in person at the Internal Affairs Division or the EOD.

When should an individual contact a Gainesville, FL police brutality lawyer?

Individuals who have suffered serious injuries and are looking to recover compensation to make up for their pain and suffering among other things should contact a Gainesville police brutality attorney for legal help. A lawyer will be able to determine if they have a viable case, what it is worth, and the steps they need to take to recover the money they are due.

Police brutality victims can contact Koberlein Law Offices if they would like to learn more about recovering compensation for the injuries and losses they suffered as a result of an officer’s act of misconduct.

Koberlein Law Offices can be reached at any of their office locations listed down below:

855 SW Baya Drive

Lake City, FL 32025

Phone: 386-269-9802

Website: www.klo-attorneys.com

118 Ohio Avenue N, Suite A

Live Oak, FL 32064

Phone: 386-516-2626

8443 SW 14 Lane

Gainesville, FL 32607

Phone: 352-519-4357