How do I file a Complaint?
You can file a complaint in writing,
by telephone, via fax, online, or by visiting our office in
person.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. You have 90 days from
the date of the incident to file your complaint.
Is there a cost involved?
There is no charge for using the
services of the Office of the Community Ombudsman.
Can I compliment an officer?
Yes. Just use the online form and
check "Commendation".
How do I file a Commendation?
You can file a commendation for an
officer in writing, by telephone, via fax, online, or by
visiting our office in person.
How is the investigation handled?
When you contact our office, details
of your complaint will be assigned to an investigator for
investigation. After a thorough investigation, the ombudsman
will issue a finding and you will be notified of the outcome.
Refer to our Process Flow
Chart for more information.
Will I know the results?
Yes. You will be contacted in
writing once the investigation is completed.
What problems does the ombudsman deal with?
If you feel an employee of the Boise
Police Department, Airport Police, Boise City Parking, or Boise
City Code Enforcement did not treat you properly or violated a
policy, you may contact our office with your concerns.
Are there matters that cannot be
investigated?
The ombudsman has jurisdiction
regarding Boise City law enforcement agencies and cannot
investigate complaints outside his jurisdiction.
Where can I find a Long-Term Care or Senior
Ombudsman?
The National Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Resource Center can help you locate an
ombudsman, agency, or advocacy group that may assist with your long
term care resident needs. In Idaho, the Idaho Commission on Aging
(ICOA) provides an ombudsman program.
Can the ombudsman get my charges dropped?
The ombudsman's office cannot give
legal advice or assist with a person's criminal defense.
What if I have a concern or want to ask a
question?
The ombudsman is ready to answer any
question a person might have about Boise law enforcement
activities. It is called an "Inquiry".
Can I access the Boise Police Department's Policy
Manual?
Yes. The Boise Police
Department's policy manual is available on their website.
What if I have already filed a complaint with the Boise
Police Department?
If you filed a complaint with the
Boise Police Department (BPD) before contacting the Office of the
Community Ombudsman, we ask that you wait until BPD has completed
their investigation into your complaint. Once you receive
notice that BPD has closed your case, and if you are not satisfied
with the outcome of their investigation, you have 30 days in which
to file an Appeal
with the Office of the Community Ombudsman.
What can I expect if I come into contact with a police
officer?
The Office of the Community
Ombudsman and the Boise City Police Department created a
publication, as a joint project, to help answer the question of
what to expect if you come into contact with a police
officer. Please click on the picture or the following link to
download a copy of this brochure:
What to Expect-Understanding the Law and Police Procedure.
