Department of Police Accountability

We investigate complaints about police officers and recommend policy changes.

A message from DPA Executive Director Henderson

I am outraged by the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Memphis police officers. This preventable tragedy is a devastating reminder that despite progress in police reform, we have not solved the fundamental issue. The use of excessive force on people of color continues to plague our country. DPA will remain committed to holding officers accountable. We will ensure lasting policy changes locally – from ending pretext stops to implementing exemplary use of force policies and serve as a model for statewide and national reforms.

DPA 3rd & 4th Quarter Policy Report

File a complaint about police services

Start the complaint process about an SFPD officer or police policy.

Know your rights around a police officer

What to do if an SFPD officer stops you on the street, in a car, or at your home.

Our divisions

Find out what each division does to support police oversight and policy change.

Meetings

Past meetings

DPA Budget Presentation

Friday, Jan 13, 2023, 2:00 pm

DPA Budget Priorities

Tuesday, Jan 25, 2022, 5:00 pm

See past meetings

Services

Policing concerns

File a complaint about police services

Start the complaint process about an SFPD officer or police policy.

Request an investigative hearing

What to do if you disagree with the findings of your complaint against a police officer.

Request records of complaints about police

Learn about public records and how to request them.

Recommend a police department audit

Suggest ideas for reviewing the San Francisco Police Department’s performance.

Volunteering

Apply for an internship with DPA's Law and Justice Reform Internship Program

The Department of Police Accountability has opportunities for students interested in public service. Applications for Fall 2023 will close out on May 30 at 5:00 pm.

Apply to be a mediator for complaints about police officers

Help the Department of Police Accountability handle complaints about police conduct.

Complainant portal

Now you can look up your DPA case status and submit documents.

Learn more

News

The Department of Police Accountability launches Complainant Portal

September 21, 2022

The Department of Police Accountability releases CY 2021 Annual Report

July 20, 2022

San Francisco Police Commission adopts domestic violence policy

February 17, 2022

See more news

Events

There are no upcoming events right now.

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Resources

Reports on policing complaints in 2022

Reports on the number, types, and findings of complaints against police.

Reports on policing complaints

See reports on how many complaints were filed and what we found.

Request records of complaints about police

Learn about public records and how to request them.

Investigation or mediation of complaints against a police officer

Find out the different ways we could handle your report.

Know your rights around a police officer

What to do if you are approached by a SFPD officer on the street, in a car, or at your home.

Know your rights around Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

What to do if you are stopped by an ICE agent in public or at your home.

Investigations of police services

What happens after you file a complaint about police officers or policies.

Young people's rights around police officers

What to do if you are under 18 and stopped by a police officer in San Francisco.

DPA Dashboard

To showcase the numbers pertaining to the complaints we received and closed.

Report on racial equity action plan and annual progress

See departmental racial equity plan and annual progress report.

Frequently Asked Questions

View DPA frequently asked questions here.

About

DPA is an oversight agency that investigates complaints about SFPD officers. DPA investigates SFPD officer-involved shootings and audits SFPD practices. We recommend new policies and policy changes to the Police Commission and SFPD. DPA and SFPD are separate agencies that both report to the Police Commission.

Learn more about us

Divisions