CITIZEN COMPLAINTS

Filing a Citizen Complaint with Our Office

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Under Arkansas law, law enforcement officers cannot arrest for most misdemeanor offenses unless they personally witness the crime. The officers will instead write up the police report and refer you to our Complaints Department.

 

Our office does not automatically issue warrants based solely on a police report or complaint. Each case must be carefully reviewed by a prosecutor to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate.

 

If you are the victim of a misdemeanor crime and wish to file a complaint with our office, please follow the steps below.

 

Steps to File a Misdemeanor Complaint:

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1. File a police report with the appropriate law enforcement agency.

2. Obtain a hard copy of the police report.

3. Schedule an appointment with our Citizen Complaints Department by calling 501-340-8100. We operate by appointment only.

4. Prepare for your appointment by bringing the following materials:

   • A copy of the police report

   • Any photos, videos, or documentation related to the incident

   • Estimates for any property damage

   • Contact information for any witnesses

 

Appointment Guidelines:

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• Arrive at least 10 minutes early.

• If you arrive 15 minutes or more after your scheduled time, you will be required to reschedule to the next available appointment.

• Please note: An appointment does not guarantee a warrant will be issued. Each case is individually reviewed by a prosecutor.

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What Our Complaints Department Does Not Handle:

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• Consumer Complaints Against Businesses
  These must be directed to the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.

• Orders of Protection or No Contact Orders
  Our Complaints Department does not issue Orders of Protection or No Contact Orders. If you are in immediate danger, please contact your local police department or victim services unit.

• Felony Offenses
  If you believe you are the victim of a felony, follow up with the law enforcement agency where you filed your report. Ask whether a detective has been assigned and for updates on the investigation. Our office cannot typically take action in felony cases until the investigation is complete and the case is submitted for review.

• Suspected Child Abuse
  To report suspected abuse or neglect of a child, contact the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD (1-844-728-3224).

 

For questions about the complaints process or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at 501-340-8100.

Directions to the Office. You can enter the complaints department through the Spring Street door.