Internal affairs (IA) refer to a division of a law enforcement agency that investigates incidents and possible suspicions of lawbreaking and professional misconduct attributed to officers on the force.
Internal Affairs serves two communities—law enforcement and the general public—and Internal Affairs is essential in building and maintaining mutual trust and respect between agencies and the public. It is normal for an entire investigation to be completed within 30 days of the original complaint. Officers should be notified within 24 hours of the original complaint.
Departments are urged to create connections with their citizens in a proactive fashion to prevent the development of tenuous relationships following high-profile misconduct. There are a number of ways to file a complaint. You can attend the office in person, call or email the police department–file a complaint online, mail in a complaint using a standardized form.
If no action is taken after you have approached the Superintendent of Police or Deputy Commissioner of Police, you can go to the local magistrate (a civil officer or lay judge ) asking him/her to order the police to investigate. Complain to the State Human Rights Commission or the Police Complaint Authority, if it exists in your state. In Baltimore City, magistrates are a part of the appeal court system located at:
Courthouse East, Chambers {???}
111 N. Calvert Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
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In some states and counties, the duties of IA will be reduced because an independent committee will investigate police shootings.
