Police Department

Citizen Complaints and Commendations of Police Conduct

The Burlington Police Department welcomes comments and observations about the performance of our officers. Citizen input improves the quality of policing in our City and provides valuable insights into ways to train our officers better and author better policies. Citizen Complaints or Commendations/acknowledgements may be made online (links below), by letter (1 North Ave, Burlington, VT 05401), by telephone (802-540-2107), or in person at 1 North Ave.
 
Complaints
Anyone can make a complaint about the Burlington Police Department or a BPD officer or employee.  Click here for the written form, which is also available at the Peace and Justice Center, the Community Justice Center, Migrant Justice, AALV, the Miller Center, Burlington High School, as well as CEDO, the City Attorney's offfice, the Mayor's Office, Parks & Rec, and the Burlington Electric Dept.  These parties will forward the complaint to the Chief of Police and the Police Commission.
 
To submit an online complaint click here. Note that if you submit a complaint anonymously we will not be able to follow up with you.
Serious complaints, such as criminal misconduct or violations of civil rights, will be referred to an executive investigator working on behalf of the Chief of Police, for a thorough investigation. An on-duty supervisor may investigate more minor complaints, such as allegations of rudeness or improper vehicle operation. In either situation, the complainant will be notified of the disposition, provided he or she has not made the complaint anonymously.
 
Commendations/Acknowledgement
If you had a positive experience with a member of the BPD that you would like to share, please complete the form here. Commendations will be shared with the officer, their supervisors, and the Police Commissioners.
 
Below are links to brochures, informational resources, and forms to help guide you in the event you need more information or would like to provide feedback.