Police Investigation Review Petition

Eligible petitioners for the Police Investigation Review Petition generally include crime victims or their legal guardians, complainants or reporting parties, and, in certain circumstances, individuals who were the subject of the investigation. Furthermore, legal representatives with documented authority are also permitted to submit the application on behalf of their clients. This mechanism is particularly useful when the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has rendered a “No Further Action” decision, failed to address key evidence, or caused significant procedural delays.

Timely filing of the Police Investigation Review Petition is critical, as deadlines are strictly based on the stage of the investigation. If the case is under "Active investigation," a petition may be filed at "Any time before investigative closure." However, if the "Investigation concluded," the deadline is "Within 90 days of written notice of closure." In exceptional circumstances, late filings may be accepted if new, materially significant evidence has surfaced or if forged or manipulated evidence was previously relied upon during the initial inquiry.

A complete application for the Police Investigation Review Petition must be supported by specific documentation to be considered valid and prevent immediate rejection. The required documents include:

• Petitioner's full identification details (name, address, contact)
• Case number and police district involved
• Specific grounds for objection (e.g., “omitted witness,” “ignored evidence”)
• Supporting materials such as affidavits, video recordings, or expert statements

Petitioners have flexibility in submitting their Police Investigation Review Petition, with both in-person and online options available for their convenience. Submission can be done in person at the Office of Police Complaints (OPC) or the MPD’s Internal Affairs Division (IAD), or online through the D.C. Government Service Portal or OPC website. In-person submissions are often more reliable due to the possibility of immediate feedback or guidance from intake officers, making it a preferred option for complex cases. Furthermore, it is a key practical tip to keep detailed copies of all communications and filings to maintain a clear record of the Petition.

The review process for the Petition follows a clear, multi-stage structure to ensure comprehensive due diligence by the oversight committee:

1. Filing & Acknowledgment: Confirmation of receipt with a tracking number.
2. Preliminary Screening: Review for completeness and jurisdictional fit.
3. Internal Inquiry: Conducted by the appropriate MPD oversight unit or civilian review body, depending on the nature of the complaint.
4. Communication: Petitioners receive status updates at least every 30 days.
5. Review Panel Evaluation: Objective assessment by a police oversight committee or independent civilian board.
6. Final Decision: Summary report is issued within 7 days of completion.

Individuals typically file a Police Investigation Review Petition when they perceive clear failures in the investigative process, which could not be otherwise remedied through informal channels. This includes instances where a case has been closed with no charges despite credible evidence, or when officers failed to conduct basic investigative tasks, such as interviewing key witnesses. Other common grounds relate to investigative actions appearing biased or disproportionately forceful, or when timelines exceed reasonable limits without proper justification, demonstrating a need for the formal Petition mechanism.

Under D.C. law, the Chief of Police is required to consider the recommendations issued by the review panel for the Police Investigation Review Petition and respond formally to the petitioner. This formal response is documented and preserved for public accountability purposes, ensuring the police department justifies its subsequent actions or inactions. The Chief of Police must respond either by:

• Reopening the investigation
• Ordering further internal disciplinary actions
• Justifying why no action will be taken

Petitioners must be notified of the outcome of their Police Investigation Review Petition no later than 7 business days after the final determination is reached by the review panel. This notification provides a summary of the findings, outlining any recommended or enacted remedies resulting from the review. It also includes crucial instructions for pursuing additional legal options if the petitioner is not satisfied with the internal resolution of the Petition.