Filing a Citizen Police Complaint

Two options to file a Citizen Police Complaint Form

Persons wishing to file a Citizen Police Complaint form may do so by filing either with the Civilian Police Review Board (CPRB) or the Urbana Police Department (UPD).

• Option A: File your Complaint with the Civilian Police Review Board (CPRB)
• Option B: File your Complaint with the Urbana Police Department (UPD)  

Option A: Filing a Citizen Police Complaint with the Civilian Police Review Board (CPRB)

1. Mail or hand-deliver a completed Citizen Police Complaint Form to the CPRB c/o the Office of Human Rights and Equity located at 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801.
2. E-mail the Office of Human Rights and Equity at ohre@urbanaillinois.us to schedule an appointment to file a Citizen Police Complaint Form. Please be sure to provide your telephone contact information where you can be reached during regular business hours.
3. Visit the Office of Human Rights and Equity located at 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801.  Staff are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
4. Call the Office of Human Rights and Equity at 217-384-2455 to schedule an appointment.  Staff are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. After 5 p.m. and on weekends, you can leave a voicemail and a staff member will contact you on the next business day.  Please be sure to provide your contact information where you can be reached during regular business hours. 

 Option B: Filing a Citizen Police Complaint with the Urbana Police Department (UPD)

1. Mail or hand-deliver a completed Citizen Police Complaint Form to the Urbana Police Department located at 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801.
2. Visit the Urbana Police Department at 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801.
3. Call the Urbana Police Department at 217-384-2320 for additional instructions on filing a Citizen Police Complaint Form. 

Important Considerations

• Time Limits for Filing. Complaints must be filed within (45) forty-five working days of the incident giving rise to the complaint. Individuals who are not physically able to file, must file complaints within 15 days of the date that they are physically able to file.
• Retaliation Prohibited. You cannot be harassed or retaliated against for filing a complaint or cooperating with a complaint investigation. Specifically, Chapter 19-28 of the City Codes states, “Harassment, retaliation, or retribution for filing a complaint or testifying on behalf of a complainant will not be tolerated. Such allegations shall be reported to the human relations officer for appropriate investigation and follow-up.”
• Immigrant Status. The CPRB takes complaints regardless of a person’s immigration status and does not ask complainants or witnesses about their immigrant status.
• Language Interpretation. The CPRB has translation services available in multiple languages for people with limited English proficiency.
• What to Bring to an Appointment. Please bring an identification card to your appointment as your signature must be notarized on the Citizen Police Complaints Form.