Palo Alto Police Department
This department has independent oversight.
Sivil routes complaints first to Independent Police Auditor — the civilian oversight body for Palo Alto. Routing here means your complaint isn't reviewed by the people it's about.
File directly with Independent Police AuditorHow easy is it to share feedback with Palo Alto?
We audit every department's public-facing feedback channels. Last verified 06/26/2024.
Palo Alto Police Department (CA)
How to file a complaint about a Palo Alto Police Department officer
The Palo Alto Police Department serves roughly 64,855 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 Palo Alto, based on Sivil's audit of public records and agency websites.
1. Independent Police Auditor — independent civilian oversight
The Independent Police Auditor is a civilian agency that reviews complaints about Palo Alto Police Department officers outside the department's own chain of command — your complaint is not investigated by colleagues of the officer involved.
- How the Independent Police Auditor complaint process works
- By phone: 3234120334
- In person or by mail: 1443 E. Washington Boulevard, Pasadena CA 91104
- Independent Police Auditor website
2. Palo Alto Police Department Palo Alto Police Department — the department's internal channel
Complaints filed with Palo Alto Police Department are investigated inside the department itself. The office investigates anonymous complaints.
- Email: pd@cityofpaloalto.org
- Phone: (650) 329-2406
- 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 Auditor so it is reviewed independently. You keep a copy, and it takes about five minutes. Start your complaint here.
Good to know
- The Palo Alto Police Department homepage links directly to complaint-filing information.
- General department line: (650) 329-2413
Compiled by Sivil from agency websites and public records; last verified 06/26/2024. Procedures change — confirm details with the agency before relying on them. Sharing a positive experience instead? Send a compliment.