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1. How do I file a complaint?

There are several options to choose from. Most importantly, you will need to download, print, and fill out a Personnel Complaint Form (PDF). This can also be picked up at Internal Affairs during business hours or at the Information Desk in the Police Department located in the basement of City Hall. 

Complaint Form

This form asks for basic information about you (the complainant) and the details of the incident you wish to have investigated. Be sure to sign and date it at the bottom, then return the form to Internal Affairs. You will then be contacted by an Internal Affairs Officer who will arrange an interview. At that point, the process of investigation is started, but remember, nothing will begin on the case until the complaint form is received by our office.

2. Where can I find Internal Affairs?

We are located at:
City Hall
218 Cleveland Avenue SW
3rd Floor
Canton, OH 44702

Hour of Operation

Generally we are open from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday.  However, the commanding officer cannot always be present in the office.  If no contact is made in our office during normal business hours, or you are submitting a complaint outside of normal business hours, you may obtain Complaint Form from the information desk located in the lobby of the Police Department.

3. What constitutes making an official complaint?

Internal Affairs investigates the conduct of our officers or employees. The office will not contest what you (the complainant) were charged with criminally, or cited for in a traffic violation. All charges will be handled through a court of law. 

Our office looks into the actions of our officers both on and off duty. Sworn officers are held to a higher standard and are expected to handle themselves in a manner conducive to that decree of conduct. If you believe that a Canton Officer did not act with proper conduct and professionalism, then you are encouraged to file an official complaint with the Canton Police Department Internal Affairs Office.

4. Who works in Internal Affairs?

The Office of Internal Affairs is actually a bureau of the Canton Police Department under the direction of Chief John Gabbard. The operations of this office are headed by the Commanding Officer, who is currently Lieutenant Mark Nolte.

5. How long does an investigation take to complete?

The investigations of Internal Affairs may take up to ninety days to reach completion, however, most investigations are concluded much earlier than the ninety days. Depending on the nature and severity of the investigation, and the number of witnesses and officers to be interviewed, investigations rarely will extend beyond the ninety days. If the investigation does go beyond the permitted ninety days, the complainant will receive notice from the Internal Affairs Office explaining the delay in the investigation.

6. How long before I am notified of the outcome of the investigation?

Once the Office of Internal Affairs has completed the investigation of the complaint and the completion is presented to the Chief of Police for his review, his office will send you a letter notifying you of the results. The letter will state that the complaint is: 

• Sustained - the complaint is supported 
• Not Sustained - insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the complaint 
• Unfounded - the complaint was false or did not occur 
• Exonerated - the act of the complaint occurred but was justified, legal and proper under the circumstances 
• Referred - the complaint is decided by another authority, for example, criminal or traffic court 

If you have any questions concerning the results, you are encouraged to contact the Chief of Police.