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How well is the Indianapolis Citizen’s Police Complaint Office doing its job?

City hopes residents will complete new survey
IMPD Cruiser
Posted at 5:36 PM, Sep 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-21 17:40:27-04

INDIANAPOLIS — How well is the Indianapolis Citizen's Police Complaint Office (CPCO) doing its job? The city wants to find out and is asking residents to complete an online survey which is now available.

First off, what is the Citizen's Police Complaint Office? It's where you go if you have a problem with officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The CPCO investigates allegations of improper conduct by police.

“Public participation is a crucial part of our efforts to improve transparency and accountability for our city’s public safety apparatus,” said Mayor Hogsett. “Although these efforts are not new, this year’s civil rights protests have underscored their importance. I encourage everyone who cares about community-informed policing to complete this survey.”

The online survey is available through October 4 at indy.gov/oversight [indy.gov] If you take part, you'll be asked how much you know about how the complaint process works, along with questions about police
transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

The survey is available in six languages: English, Spanish, Haitian, French, Arabic, and Burmese. For those who don't have a computer, the survey can be completed on the computers at city libraries.

Two years ago, the mayor's office began its look at the CPCO and plans to finish the work by the end of October. When done, the report will be used to help shape potential changes within the office.

“This opportunity is a concrete way to shape responsible public safety in our community,” said Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Dr. David Hampton. “Going to indy.gov/oversight [indy.gov] will take only a few minutes of your time, but it has the potential to make a lasting difference for neighbors throughout Indianapolis.”

The survey is different from one that came out earlier in the year, which is more generally about public safety. The new one deals specifically with the CPCO.