Tampa Police Department complaints of misconduct may be made in person at the Internal Affairs Bureau Office, which is located at 411 North Franklin Street.  The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.  Appointments are not necessary, but may be made by calling (813) 274-5849.  Complaints may also be made at the uniform district offices, which are open 24 hours a day.  A complaint is assigned for investigation to either the supervisor of the affected employee or to the Internal Affairs Bureau.  The facts of the investigation are confidential until the investigation is complete.

All Complaints are thoroughly investigated in a fair and unbiased manner with the truth of the matter being the sole objective.  In cases where IAB conducts the investigations (formal cases), the complainant, the affected employee and all witnesses are interviewed under oath.  A report is prepared that includes these interviews and all other evidence pertinent to the case.  Informal interviews are conducted when the investigation is assigned to the employee's division.

In both instances, the report is forwarded through the employee's chain of command for review and recommendation of disposition.  The Chief of Police makes the final decision regarding disposition of the formal complaint.  The Division Commander renders a disposition in informal cases.  The disposition of the allegations made in the complaint may be sustained, not sustained or unfounded.  Letters of disposition will be sent to the complainant at the conclusion of the case.  If the allegations are sustained, the Chief of Police will determine the disciplinary action taken.

While the Tampa Police Department encourages citizens to report legitimate complaints of misconduct, it also assumes and expects that all citizens will not file frivolous, vindictive or false complaints against employees who have properly performed their duties.  State law forbids the intentional filing of a false report to law enforcement and also prohibits anyone from lying under oath.

Complaints against Tampa Police Department employees may be made to the Internal Affairs Bureau.  The complaint system and disciplinary procedure not only subjects employees to corrective action following improper conduct, but also protects employees from criticism when they properly discharge their duty.

The Tampa Police Department is committed to upholding the highest levels of professionalism and service to the public.

Internal Affairs Bureau - 411 North Franklin Street - Tampa, Florida - (813) 274-5849