Boston Police Department
This department has independent oversight.
Sivil routes complaints first to Civilian Review Board — the civilian oversight body for Boston. Routing here means your complaint isn't reviewed by the people it's about.
File directly with Civilian Review BoardHow easy is it to share feedback with Boston?
We audit every department's public-facing feedback channels. Last verified 07/17/2024.
Boston Police Department (MA)
How to file a complaint about a Boston Police Department officer
The Boston Police Department serves roughly 642,823 residents. If you had a problem with an officer, you have three distinct ways to file a complaint — and they are not equivalent. Here is how each one works in Boston, based on Sivil's audit of public records and agency websites.
1. Civilian Review Board — independent civilian oversight
The Civilian Review Board is a civilian agency that reviews complaints about Boston Police Department officers outside the department's own chain of command — your complaint is not investigated by colleagues of the officer involved. Note that it requires identification — anonymous complaints are not investigated. No notarization is required to file.
- File online with the Civilian Review Board
- By phone: 617-635-4224
- In person or by mail: 2201 Washington St Suite 102, Roxbury MA 2119
- Civilian Review Board website
2. Boston Police Department Boston Police Department — the department's internal channel
Complaints filed with Boston Police Department are investigated inside the department itself. Identification is required to file.
- Email: internalaffairs@pd.boston.gov
- Phone: (617) 343-4320
- Department page on the complaint process
3. File through Sivil
Sivil delivers your complaint by email to the right recipient for this department — routed to the Civilian Review Board so it is reviewed independently. You keep a copy, and it takes about five minutes. Start your complaint here.
Good to know
- The Boston Police Department homepage links directly to complaint-filing information.
- General department line: (617) 343-5500
Compiled by Sivil from agency websites and public records; last verified 07/17/2024. Procedures change — confirm details with the agency before relying on them. Sharing a positive experience instead? Send a compliment.