How to File a CCRB Complaint Against NYPD

New York City's Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) is an independent agency that investigates complaints against NYPD officers. If you believe an officer used excessive force, made a false arrest, used discriminatory language, or engaged in other misconduct, the CCRB is the civilian oversight body that handles those complaints.

Filing a complaint is free, does not require a lawyer, and can be done online, by phone, by mail, or in person.

What the CCRB investigates

The CCRB investigates four types of misconduct by sworn NYPD officers:

• Excessive force — physical force beyond what was necessary under the circumstances
• Abuse of authority — unlawful stop, search, arrest, or detention; misuse of warrant; improper refusal to provide name or shield number
• Discourtesy — rude or abusive behavior
• Offensive language— slurs or remarks about a person's race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or similar traits

What the CCRB does NOT investigate

• Corruption, perjury and off-duty criminal conduct: these go to the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau, and the CCRB refers them there
• Federal law enforcement (FBI, DEA, ICE, etc.)

How to file

Option 1: Online (fastest)

Use the CCRB's File a Complaint page and its online complaint form. You'll need:

• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Officer's name and/or shield number (if you have it)
• A description of what happened
• Any witnesses' names and contact information
• Photos, videos, or other evidence (optional but helpful)

Option 2: By phone

Call 311 (24/7) and ask for the CCRB, or call the CCRB hotline at 1-800-341-2272 (staffed Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm; you can leave a voicemail after hours). From outside NYC, call 212-NEW-YORK.

Option 3: By mail

Mail a written complaint to:

Civilian Complaint Review Board
100 Church Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10007

Option 4: In person

Go to the CCRB office at 100 Church Street, 10th Floor, Manhattan, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, to speak with an investigator. No appointment is needed, and free interpretation is available. You can also file a complaint at any NYPD precinct.

What happens after you file

• Intake: The CCRB reviews your complaint to confirm it falls within their jurisdiction. If not, they'll refer you to the appropriate agency.
• Investigation: An investigator interviews you, gathers evidence such as video, witness statements and NYPD records, and interviews the officers involved.
• Resolution: A panel of three Board members (usually) decides each allegation:
  • Substantiated — enough credible evidence that the officer did it without legal justification. The case goes to the NYPD with a discipline recommendation.
  • Within NYPD Guidelines — the officer did it, but it was lawful.
  • Unfounded — enough credible evidence that the officer did not do it.
  • Unable to Determine — not enough evidence either way.
  • Officer Unidentified — the CCRB could not identify the officer.
  Some complaints close without any finding ("Unable to Investigate"), for example when the complaint is withdrawn or the complainant can't be reached.

Tips for a strong complaint

• File quickly. Memories fade. Evidence disappears. Body-worn camera footage is retained for a limited time.
• Be specific. Include dates, times, locations, officer names/shield numbers, and a detailed sequence of events.
• Get witness info. Names, phone numbers, and addresses of anyone who saw the incident.
• Preserve evidence. Save photos, videos, medical records, and clothing. Back up digital evidence.
• Request body-worn camera footage. You can file a FOIL request with NYPD for body-worn camera footage of the incident. B-Legal's FOIL generator can help.

CCRB contact information

• Website: nyc.gov/ccrb
• Phone: 311 (or 1-800-341-2272)
• Main office: 100 Church Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10007
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm

See also: FOIL request guide · How to respond to a summons · B-Legal plans