Office of Internal Affairs

The Office of Internal Affairs (OIA) is a fact-finding internal investigation unit. OIA will take complaints during normal working hours and the complaint will be documented and forwarded to the appropriate Departmental component for further investigation. Generally, it is the responsibility of the first-line supervisor to investigate citizen complaints involving their personnel. OIA will conduct internal investigations into serious allegations of misconduct as well as conduct investigations that would be too lengthy or time-consuming for a line supervisor to investigate.

OIA Pamphlet

Policy Covering Complaint Procedures

View the Charleston Police Department's Policy covering complaint procedures, General Order Number 10 (PDF). In addition to complaints, OIA also accepts compliments from the public. Information related to compliments can help identify how the Charleston Police Department can better serve the public.

Additional Services

OIA provides a variety of other services to the Charleston Police Department and the citizens of Charleston. These include policy and procedure review, inspections and audits of components of the police department. OIA also makes referrals to the City's Employee Assistance Program as needed.

Annual Statistical Summaries

The agency compiles annual statistical summaries, based upon records of internal affairs investigations, which are made available to the public and agency employees through the agency Public Information Officer.

2019 OIA Annual Report

How to File a Complaint / Compliment

Complaints or compliments can be made in person, by phone, in writing or through this website. All complaints to include anonymous complaints are accepted and reviewed with follow up activity to be assigned to the appropriate personnel. Keep in mind that if you file a complaint anonymously, we will not be able to follow up with you on your complaint.

If you would like to file a complaint or compliment, please contact the Office of Internal Affairs:

  • Send a letter to or visit:
     Charleston Police Department
     Office of Internal Affairs
     180 Lockwood Boulevard
     Charleston, SC. 29403
  • Call the Office of Internal Affairs at 843-720-2447.
  • Email Internal Affairs at internalaffairs@charleston-sc.gov.