The Internal Affairs Division is committed to conducting fair, unbiased and expedient investigations into allegations of misconduct on the part of officers and civilian employees of the Department of Police. Citizens and employees can feel confident that matters of concern will be addressed in the appropriate manner.

Please be advised: submitting an internal affairs complaint will not have any effect on charges, either criminal or civil, that have been placed against a person by the police. Only the courts and the State's Attorneys Office can resolve those matters. A complaint against an employee of the department is a separate matter entirely.

Internal Affairs Division Director: Captain David Falcinelli

Contact: Captain David Falcinelli, Director

Submitting a Compliment:

Persons wishing to compliment an employee should prepare a brief description of the employee's performance and mail it to the employee's district commander or division director. If you do not know where the employee is assigned, you may forward your letter to the Office of the Chief. A copy of the complimentary letter will be placed in the employee's personnel file. You will be notified via a letter from the Office of the Chief that the Department has received your compliment. (click here for a listing of district stations and divisions)

Submitting a Complaint:

Persons wishing to file a complaint may do so, in person, at any of the six district stations, police headquarters, or any of the Regional Service Centers located throughout the county. Complaint forms are available at any of these locations. Complaints can also be received via telephone by any department employee. Complaint forms are available in the following languages: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.You can find a link to each of these forms at the bottom of this web page.

Complainants may remain anonymous, however, we encourage complainants to provide their name and telephone number to allow us to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged violation.

Once a complaint has been recieved, you will be notified by the Department and you will be told who will be handling your complaint.You will be personally contacted by the investigator.

Contacting the Internal Affairs Division:

Telephone Number:240-773-6000 (answering machine after-hours)

Fax Number: 301-840-2770

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
800 South Frederick Road, Suite 201
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877

Frequently Asked Questions:

How are cases reviewed for completeness?

All cases are reviewed by the Director of the Internal Affairs Division. Once reviewed by the Director, a complaint will be classified as either a formal complaint or an intake/inquiry.

How are cases evaluated?

Once a formal complaint has been investigated and reviewed, it is given one of five classifications. The classification given is known as the finding (s):

• Unfounded: Based on the facts of the investigation, the act (s) did not occur.
• Exonerated: Actions of the involved officer (s) were justified, lawful and proper.
• Insufficient evidence: There was not enough evidence to prove or disprove the allegation (s).
• Sustained: Sufficient evidence to prove the allegations of misconduct.
• Policy Failure: Omissions or insufficient/ineffective policy to address the allegation (s). If this is the finding, recommendations will be made to create and/or adjust policy.

What is the difference between an Intake/Inquiry and a formal complaint?

• Intake/Inquiry: Investigation of a minor rule violation that, if sustained, would not result in discipline. The director of the Internal Affairs Division may determine that a complaint is appropriately handled by being classified as an Intake/Inquiry.
• Formal Complaint: Investigation into allegations of administrative misconduct by employees of the department that, if true, would or could result in disciplinary action.

Do complaints alleging the use of excessive force by officers need to be sworn to and notarized?

Yes.  Under Maryland law, a complaint against a police officer alleging the use of excessive force must be sworn to by the complainant, notarized, and filed within 90 days of the incident.

Who reviews the cases after the investigation is complete?

All complaint investigations, whether intake/inquiry or formal, are reviewed by the deputy director of IAD as well as the director of IAD.  If a complaint is classified as sustained or if the Director of IAD and the officer's Commander disagree as to how the complaint is to be classified, the cases are reviewed by the Internal Investigative Review Panel, to include the three Assistant Chiefs, the Director of IAD, and the Commander of the involved officer (s).

How is the complainant involved notified?

The complainant is notified in writing with the results of the investigation.

Will my complaint have any impact on any charges placed against me by the police?

No.  Criminal and traffic charges must be resolved by the courts.  Initiating an internal affairs complaint will not make your charges go away. Only the courts and the State's Attorneys Office can resolve any charges placed against you by the police

What happens at the conclusion of an investigation?

If the investigation fails to sustain any misconduct, you will receive a letter from the Director of the Internal Affairs Division advising you of the outcome.  If misconduct is established, a disciplinary recommendation will be offered to the employee.  If the employee accepts that recommendation the matter will be concluded.  Should the  employee decline the offer, the matter will follow established procedures.  In the case of a civilian employee, a grievance process is implemented.  In those cases involving police officers, an administrative hearing will be convened and testimony will be taken under oath.  As a complainant you may be called to testify.  In all cases, the complainant will be notified of the investigative results.

Will I be informed of any disciplinary action taken?

Under Maryland State Law, specific disciplinary actions taken are defined as personnel actions and are confidential.  However, the complainant will be notified if any administrative violations were found to have occurred.

 Compliment & Complaint Form

In addition to English MCPD has Forms and Instructions in the following languages:

• Spanish Instructions & Compliment & Complaint Form
• French Instructions & Compliment & Complaint Form
• Chinese Instructions & Compliment & Complaint Form