File a complaint

There are several ways to file a complaint:

Online: Click here to fill out an online complaint form. Please provide all the requested information. Email the completed form to sfso.complaints@sfgov.org.
By phone: Call the Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs unit at (415) 554-2380.
In person: Visit the Internal Affairs unit to file your complaint.
1. Please provide as much information as possible. If you were involved in or saw an incident, we will need to get a statement from you.
2. Please note that if you have been arrested or cited, we may not investigate your complaint until your legal matter is settled.

We will address your complaint one of two ways:

Informal complaint. A complaint that can be resolved quickly and does not require a written summary of your case and outcome. Here are some examples:
1. The complaining party is satisfied that a Sheriff’s Office supervisor has taken appropriate action
2. The complaining party requests an explanation of a policy or procedure
3. The alleged misconduct or improper job performance doesn’t violate the law or the Sheriff’s Office policy or procedure
4. The complaining party withdraws the complaint, refuses to cooperate, or isn’t available
5. The complaining party makes an allegation that has no basis or merit or is harassment
Formal investigation. At the direction of the Sheriff, Undersheriff or Assistant Sheriff, we examine each allegation on its own merits. Here are our procedures:
1. The Sheriff’s Office will conduct a fair and thorough investigation
2. We will review all related reports, policies and procedures
3. We will examine any physical evidence, review video and gather all information for each allegation
4. We will conduct interviews with everyone who is involved with the incident

We will notify you of the results of the investigation. Timing depends on the length of the investigation.

There are five possible findings:

Sustained - There was enough evidence to support the complaint
Not Sustained - The investigation failed to prove or disprove the complaint
Unfounded - The investigation shows that the incident didn’t occur
Exonerated - The investigation shows that the action taken was lawful and justifiable
No Finding - we could not continue the investigation because the complaining party failed to disclose information; did not cooperate; and/or there is insufficient evidence to proceed

Findings may lead to discipline. Discipline may include:

Sheriff’s Office employees have the right to appeal findings and discipline. Employees have rights under:

Complaints may be resolved in other ways including referral to:

San Francisco
Sheriff's Office