Houston Police Department
This department has independent oversight.
Sivil routes complaints first to Independent Police Oversight Board — the civilian oversight body for Houston. Routing here means your complaint isn't reviewed by the people it's about.
File directly with Independent Police Oversight BoardHow easy is it to share feedback with Houston?
We audit every department's public-facing feedback channels. Last verified 06/19/2024.
Houston Police Department (TX)
How to file a complaint about a Houston Police Department officer
The Houston Police Department serves roughly 2,304,406 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 Houston, based on Sivil's audit of public records and agency websites.
1. Independent Police Oversight Board — independent civilian oversight
The Independent Police Oversight Board is a civilian agency that reviews complaints about Houston Police Department officers outside the department's own chain of command — your complaint is not investigated by colleagues of the officer involved.
- File online with the Independent Police Oversight Board
- By phone: 9832) 393-6772
- In person or by mail: 1200 Travis, Houston TX 77002-6006
- Independent Police Oversight Board website
2. Houston Police Department Houston Police Department — the department's internal channel
Complaints filed with Houston Police Department are investigated inside the department itself. Identification is required to file. A notarized statement is required.
- Phone: 713-308-8900
- 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 Independent Police 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 Houston Police Department homepage links directly to complaint-filing information.
- General department line: (713) 884-3131
Compiled by Sivil from agency websites and public records; last verified 06/19/2024. Procedures change — confirm details with the agency before relying on them. Sharing a positive experience instead? Send a compliment.