June 1, 2005

Honorable Mayor, Council Members, and City Manager
Cincinnati,Ohio

I present to you, the public and City employees the  First Annual Report of the Citizen Complaint Authority (CCA). This report covers the program year January 1 through December 31, 2004, and is submitted to you for your information pursuant to the Collaborative Agreement. This report highlights the accomplishments of the CCA during the past year.

The Citizen Complaint Authority was created to reduce citizen complaints through investigation of officers charged with misconduct, and examination of complaint patterns to identify at risk officers, citizens and circumstances.  The former represents the traditional method of complaint prevention.  The latter method involves an examination both the circumstances that led to complaints and opportunities to alter these circumstances.  The CCA performs a vital role in building confidence in the process of civilian oversight and investigations of allegations of police misconduct and establishes credibility amongst the police officers of the City of Cincinnati Police Department and Citizens of Cincinnati.

Unfavorable incidents or events reported in the media as well as citizens complaints about police policies and procedures should always generate an investigation to look into the validity of the complaint, regardless of how far fetched it may seem at first. This investigation may reveal an unforeseen problem or variance in interpretation of the rules and regulations that can quickly be repaired before it evolves into an administrative or operational nightmare.

There are strong signs, which indicate that with systemic engagement of the citizens and greater participation and awareness of the front line officers and supervisors, what was designed, as a good process may even be better.

We welcome your comments and suggestions regarding the improvement of this report, and hope for your continued support of the Citizen Complaint Authority.

Respectfully submitted,

2004 Annual Report