Schenectady Police Department
This department has independent oversight.
Sivil routes complaints first to Civilian Police Review Board — the civilian oversight body for Schenectady. Routing here means your complaint isn't reviewed by the people it's about.
File directly with Civilian Police Review BoardHow easy is it to share feedback with Schenectady?
We audit every department's public-facing feedback channels. Last verified 06/28/2024.
Schenectady Police Department (NY)
How to file a complaint about a Schenectady Police Department officer
The Schenectady Police Department serves roughly 69,035 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 Schenectady, based on Sivil's audit of public records and agency websites.
1. Civilian Police Review Board — independent civilian oversight
The Civilian Police Review Board is a civilian agency that reviews complaints about Schenectady 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. Filing requires a notarized statement — plan for that extra step.
- How the Civilian Police Review Board complaint process works
- By phone: 518-382-5199
- In person or by mail: 105 Jay Street, Schenectady NY 12305
- Civilian Police Review Board website
2. Schenectady Police Department Schenectady Police Department — the department's internal channel
Complaints filed with Schenectady Police Department are investigated inside the department itself. Identification is required to file. A notarized statement is required.
3. File through Sivil
Sivil delivers your complaint by email to the right recipient for this department — routed to the Civilian Police Review Board so it is reviewed independently. You keep a copy, and it takes about five minutes. Start your complaint here.
Good to know
- As of our last audit, the Schenectady Police Department homepage did not link to a complaint-filing page — one reason many residents struggle to find the correct channel.
- General department line: 518-382-5200
Compiled by Sivil from agency websites and public records; last verified 06/28/2024. Procedures change — confirm details with the agency before relying on them. Sharing a positive experience instead? Send a compliment.