Suggestions to protect victims of misconduct:
Taken from:The Police Complaint Center

1. Victims should always file a complaint of misconduct if they feel that they have been subjected to ill treatment by a police officer. This applies even when no physical abuse is involved.

2. All complaints should be made in writing. Preferably, complaints should be sent certified mail to the Chief of police or addressed to the internal investigative division of the police department.

3. Victims should always send supplemental or secondary complaints to organizations or individuals with oversight responsibilities pertaining to police operations. This may include local District Attorneys, City Managers or State Attorney Generals.

4. If the police schedule an interview with a misconduct victim, the victim should never go to the interview alone. Victims may request to be interviewed at their home or a neutral location such as their church.

5. Always record your statements to the police. If you are interviewed by phone advise the officer you are recording the conversation. Victims should also have a written statement available to refer to when being questioned. In some instances, victims may request for the police to supply written questions instead of making a personal appearance at the police station.

6. Victims should always take photographs of injuries. These photos should not be given to the police unless duplicates are available.

7. Victims should always obtain witness statements and evidence immediately following an incident of misconduct. Witness statements should be signed by witnesses.

8. Victims should always file a claim for damages when they are injured or if property is taken or destroyed. Many jurisdictions have time limits on the filing of damage claims. Often this period last six months.

9. Victims should always seek the counsel of an attorney if they can afford one.

10. Victims should always request that their complaint be made part of the officer's permanent personnel file.