Washington D.C. Police Investigation Review Petition

Eligible petitioners include:

• Crime victims or their legal guardians
• Complainants or reporting parties
• Individuals under investigation or previously arrested
• Legal representatives with documented authority

This petition 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.

A petition may be declined under the following conditions:

• The same issue has been previously reviewed and concluded
• The petition lacks concrete facts or supporting documentation
• The claim is based on misinterpretation of law or facts
• The request is clearly aimed at obstructing an ongoing investigation
• The case has been referred to the U.S. Attorney or entered judicial proceedings

A complete application should 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

Petitions can be submitted in two ways:

• In person: At the Office of Police Complaints (OPC) or the MPD’s Internal Affairs Division (IAD)
• Online: Through the D.C. Government Service Portal or OPC website

Note: In-person submissions are often more reliable due to the possibility of immediate feedback or guidance from intake officers.

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 Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) or designated civilian review unit
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

Petitions are commonly used when:

• A case has been closed with no charges despite credible evidence
• Officers failed to conduct basic investigative tasks (e.g., interviewing key witnesses)
• Police actions appear biased or disproportionately forceful
• Investigative timelines exceed reasonable limits without justification

Under D.C. law, the Chief of Police is required to consider the recommendations issued by the review panel and respond formally, either by:

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

These responses are documented and preserved for public accountability purposes.

Petitioners must be notified of the outcome no later than 7 business days after the final determination. Notifications include:

• Summary of findings
• Recommended or enacted remedies
• Instructions for pursuing additional legal options if needed

Petitioning is advisable in these instances:

• Investigative delay beyond 90 days without explanation
• Ignored evidence or improperly dismissed charges
• Misclassification of crime severity or victim status
• Demonstrated bias in investigator conduct

• Be concise but specific: Describe exactly how due process was violated
• Include physical evidence whenever possible
• Request acknowledgment of receipt in writing
• Keep detailed copies of all communications and filings