How to File a Police Misconduct Claim in Riverside? 2025

If you’ve been the victim of some form of police misconduct, it can be challenging to know what to do next. You may even believe that no recourse is available. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to hold the police officers responsible. It’s important to know how to file a police misconduct claim in Riverside so you can recover the damages you’re owed and move forward with your life.

How Is Police Misconduct Defined in Riverside?

Police misconduct refers to any inappropriate or unlawful activities committed by law enforcement, such as a police officer acting outside the code of conduct while on or off duty. This includes things like driving under the influence, obstructing justice, violating citizens’ rights, and engaging in any illegal activities.

Police misconduct can stem from any number of issues, but some of the most prominent include issues with training and education, lack of accountability, police militarization, and systemic racism present in police departments.

How to File a Police Misconduct Complaint in Riverside

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of police misconduct and wish to file a complaint, you can do so with the Riverside Police Department (RPD) or the Community Police Review Commission (CPRC). It’s important to note that you must file your complaint within six months of an incident for it to be reviewed. Otherwise, the defending officer can file for the case to be dismissed, and the CPRC is likely to grant the motion.

When necessary, the CPRC can conduct hearings and subpoena records and witnesses to move the fact-finding process along. Then, they recommend how to proceed with the case to the City Manager, Mike Futrell, and Police Chief Larry Gonzalez.

Once the investigation is determined to be complete, the case is placed on the agenda for the next CPRC meeting. At this point, the Commission can decide whether to submit a recommended finding, delay a decision until a future meeting, or send the case back to RPD for further investigation. The City Manager then makes a final decision regarding your case.

If your complaint involves a sheriff’s deputy, you may also file your complaint with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, located on Lemon Street. You can either fill out a Civilian Complaint online, in person, by mail, or by telephone. All complaints are forwarded to the Sheriff’s Administration Office, and the Sheriff makes the final disposition.

The disposition of your complaint can come back as follows:

• Sustained. There is clear evidence that the misconduct did occur, and you can expect to be notified of the outcome and for the officer to face disciplinary action.
• Not sustained. There is no clear evidence of proof that the misconduct happened, which means no disciplinary action is taken against the officer. That said, the complaint may still stay on their record.
• Exonerated. The incident of alleged misconduct did occur, but it was justified due to the specifics of the situation and departmental policy. In this case, no disciplinary action is taken against the officer.
• Unfounded. The alleged misconduct did not occur. In this case, you can expect the complaint to be closed or dismissed.

Why Work With a Riverside Police Brutality Lawyer?

Every year, approximately 80 police officers are arrested in California for misconduct, with aggravated assault being the most common reason behind the arrest. Approximately 195 people die every year due to the actions of law enforcement. From 2013 to 2021, there were 60,719 complaints regarding police brutality in California. Since then, it has been a prevalent problem, which is why it’s crucial to understand how to protect yourself and take action if you believe a police officer has taken advantage of their authority.

Navigating the legal process can be daunting and challenging, especially when you’re filing a complaint against someone who is supposed to uphold the law. By working with a Riverside police brutality lawyer, you can build a strong case and recover damages. A professional can make it easier to take the right steps and get the compensation you’re owed.

FAQs

What Types of Police Misconduct Are Recognized in California?

Police misconduct encompasses any inappropriate or unlawful behavior from a police officer, whether or not they are on duty. Some of the most common types of police misconduct recognized in California include evidence tampering, false arrests, illegal questioning, police brutality, racial profiling, sexual misconduct, and unlawful stops.

Who Investigates Local Police Misconduct in Riverside?

If you file a police misconduct case in Riverside, you can expect the Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) to review and investigate the allegations, as well as conduct hearings, and assist with the fact-finding process when necessary. The CPRC works in conjunction with the Bureau of Internal Affairs at the Riverside Police Department to hold the department accountable.

What Constitutional Rights Protect Against Police Misconduct?

There are many state and federal laws in place to protect citizens from all types of police misconduct. Additionally, the Fourth Amendment protects people from unlawful searches and seizures, and the Eighth Amendment protects against cruel and unusual punishments—both of which can occur in a police misconduct incident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Police Misconduct Report in Riverside?

If you want to file a police misconduct report in Riverside, you must do so within six months of the incident. If you file outside the statute of limitations, the defendant has a viable reason to file a motion to dismiss. The court is likely to agree to the request, so you can expect to lose the case. It’s crucial to follow all important deadlines when it comes to filing your complaint so you have the greatest chance of a positive outcome.

Contact a Riverside Police Misconduct Lawyer to Discuss Your Legal Options Today

If you believe you’ve experienced police misconduct, it’s important to understand how to protect yourself and recover damages from the officers responsible. At Greg Peacock Law, we’re dedicated to exposing police misconduct and providing you with a remedy that allows you to move forward with your life. Call our office to set up an appointment with a Riverside police misconduct lawyer today.