How to File a Complaint Against a Police Officer

POST stands for Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council. They are responsible for investigating complaints made against law enforcement officers. Their purpose is to “protect citizens from misconduct by public safety officers.”

If you had a negative experience with a public safety officer, you may want to consider filing a POST complaint. 

Fill out this attachment:

and email it to mtpost@mt.gov

Past POST Investigations have included, but are not limited to:

• Using unnecessary force
• Lying to a citizen about why they were pulled over
• Sexual misconduct, including assault or sexual activity while on duty
• Drinking while on call or drinking and driving while off duty

POST usually will not investigate complaints about misconduct that happened more than five years ago. However, there are some exceptions, including but not limited to:

• Felony Convictions
• Ongoing behavior that started more than 5 years ago and is still happening
• Failure to meet job requirements
• Falsifying information related to hiring or promotion
• Falsifying information during an investigation
• Physical violence
• Sexual misconduct

1.When you submit a complaint, it is treated as an allegation. The complaint is sent to the public safety officer’s supervisor. This could be the chief of police, sheriff, mayor, warden, county attorney, or city council.

2.The supervisor reviews the complaint and decides how to respond.

3.Next, a group called the Case Status Committee reviews the supervisor’s response. They decide if the response was appropriate. They may agree with it, disagree with it, or ask for more information.

4.POST staff then follows the committee’s decision.

• If the committee decides the complaint is not strong enough, the case is closed and you will be notified.
• If the committee decides the complaint may have merit, the officer is notified and given a chance to respond. If the officer responds, POST staff will investigate both the complaint and the officer’s response.

5.After the investigation, the Case Status Committee will decide what happens next. They may:

• Close the case and notify you,
• Recommend discipline (sanctions) for the officer, or
• Continue the investigation if more information is needed.

The outcome depends on the details of the case.

Possible results may include:

• Termination (the officer loses their job)
• Sanctions, such as suspension or probation
• Other actions based on the findings of the investigation

Contact POST staff at (406) 444-9975 or mtpost@mt.gov

The Montana Department of Justice has more detailed information available.