FAQs

No, OPA is not a part of the Boise Police Department (BPD). OPA is led by a Director appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. The office is staffed with civilian personnel responsible for the investigation and audit of police actions independent of BPD.

OPA investigates complaints of misconduct by Boise Police Department (BPD) officers and employees. Complaints are allegations that, if found to be true, would be a violation of federal, state, or local law, BPD Policy or Boise City Policy. Examples of allegations investigated range from unprofessional behavior to biased policing to excessive force.

OPA’s jurisdiction is limited to the Boise City Police Department. If you have a complaint against another law enforcement agency, please contact that agency.

OPA will forward your complaint to the Boise Police Department’s Office of Internal Affairs for initial investigation. OPA will review the investigation to determine whether it was complete, thorough, objective, and fair. You will likely be interviewed during the investigation. OPA will also initiate an independent investigation to determine whether the officer or employee has violated a law or policy.

At the conclusion of the investigation, you will receive a written response to your complaint outlining the investigative findings.

No, the OPA complies with state law requiring the confidentiality of law enforcement records and personnel records.

The Boise Police Department is the custodian of police reports, on-body video and audio recordings. You may submit a request for records to the Boise Police Department.

Yes, if you disagree with the outcome of the Office of Internal Affairs investigation, you may, within 10 business days of the final determination, request that your complaint be reviewed by OPA. Your request must be filed in writing and should specify why you disagree with the outcome.

Your complaint will be shared with the Boise Police Department’s Office of Internal Affairs and may be used for statistical or audit purposes to inform police policy and training.

Boise City Code authorizes the duties and responsibilities of OPA and limits complaints to 90 days after the incident. The Director of OPA may accept a complaint beyond the time limit upon a showing that the complainant was unable to file a complaint due to circumstances beyond their control.

It is part of the OPA mandate to address and educate the public about our mission, policies, and operations. OPA seeks out opportunities to educate community members and provide transparency into policing, assess policing practices in our community and strengthen community relations between law enforcement and Boise’s citizens and inform changes in training and practices of the Boise Police Department.

If you are interested in having the Office of Police Accountability make a presentation to your community group meeting or event, please fill out the request a meeting form, call us at (208)972-8380, or email us at OPA@cityofboise.org.