Making a Police Complaint
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Canadian federal statutes and official sources.
What is this right?
You have the right to file a formal complaint against any police officer in Canada.
For the RCMP, complaints go to the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC). For provincial and municipal police, each province has its own oversight body:
- Ontario: Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA)
- British Columbia: Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC)
- Alberta: Alberta Law Enforcement Review Board (LERB) / Police Review Commission
- Quebec: Commissaire a la deontologie policiere
There are two types of complaints: conduct complaints (about an officer's behaviour) and service or policy complaints (about how a police service operates).
Serious incidents like deaths or serious injuries in police encounters are automatically investigated by specialized units (Ontario SIU, Alberta ASIRT, Quebec BEI).
When does it apply?
Anyone can file a police complaint — you do not have to be a Canadian citizen.
- Complaints can cover officer misconduct, excessive force, unlawful search, and discrimination.
- Time limits vary by province — typically between 6 months and 1 year, so act quickly.
What should you do?
- Write down everything as soon as possible — dates, times, badge numbers, what was said.
- Photograph any injuries or damage.
- File with the right body: RCMP complaints at crcc-ccetp.gc.ca; Ontario at leca.ca; BC at opcc.bc.ca.
- File in writing and keep copies of everything you submit.
- Consider consulting a lawyer, especially for serious matters.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay filing — time limits can be strict.
- Don't exaggerate — stick to the facts as you remember them.
- Don't confront the officer directly — use the formal process instead.
- Don't post details on social media before filing — it can complicate your complaint.
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