Charlottesville Police Department
This department has independent oversight.
Sivil routes complaints first to Police Civilian Oversight Board — the civilian oversight body for Charlottesville. Routing here means your complaint isn't reviewed by the people it's about.
File directly with Police Civilian Oversight BoardHow easy is it to share feedback with Charlottesville?
We audit every department's public-facing feedback channels. Last verified 10/16/2024.
Charlottesville Police Department (VA)
How to file a complaint about a Charlottesville Police Department officer
The Charlottesville Police Department serves roughly 44,874 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 Charlottesville, based on Sivil's audit of public records and agency websites.
1. Police Civilian Oversight Board — independent civilian oversight
The Police Civilian Oversight Board is a civilian agency that reviews complaints about Charlottesville Police Department officers outside the department's own chain of command — your complaint is not investigated by colleagues of the officer involved. It accepts anonymous complaints, so you can file without giving your name. No notarization is required to file.
- File online with the Police Civilian Oversight Board
- How the Police Civilian Oversight Board complaint process works
- By phone: (434) 970-3794
- In person or by mail: P.O. Box 911, Charlottesville VA 22902
- Police Civilian Oversight Board website
2. Charlottesville Police Department Charlottesville Police Department Internal Affairs Unit — the department's internal channel
Complaints filed with Charlottesville Police Department Internal Affairs Unit are investigated inside the department itself. Identification is required to file.
- Email: internalaffairs@charlottesville.gov
- Phone: 434-970-3600
- 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 Police Civilian Oversight Board so it is reviewed independently. You keep a copy, and it takes about five minutes. Start your complaint here.
Good to know
- The Charlottesville Police Department homepage links directly to complaint-filing information.
- General department line: (434) 970-3280
Compiled by Sivil from agency websites and public records; last verified 10/16/2024. Procedures change — confirm details with the agency before relying on them. Sharing a positive experience instead? Send a compliment.