The UC Davis Police Accountability Board (PAB) develops and promotes accountability, trust and communication between the campus community and the UC Davis Police Department. The PAB is an independent accountability board composed of students, staff and faculty from the UC Davis and UC Davis Health community. Two functions are central to the PAB’s work. First, the PAB independently reviews investigation reports and makes recommendations to the Chief of Police following investigations of complaints from the campus community or general public (also referred to as civilian complaints). Second, both over the course of complaint review and in proactive efforts to evaluate UCDPD culture department‐wide, the PAB reviews UCDPD policies, procedures, practices and trainings and makes recommendations when the PAB identifies possible improvements or blind spots. The PAB also solicits public input during open meetings. The PAB is committed to a fair and unbiased approach throughout its work. The PAB is a model program for other civilian oversight programs in the University of California system, and nationwide is one of the only programs with oversight of a university police department.

The PAB receives administrative support from the Office of Campus and Community Relations in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Office of Compliance and Policy. 

Who can file a complaint?

Any person directly affected by UC Davis police misconduct may file a complaint.  You do not need to be a UC Davis student, staff or faculty member, or a U.S. citizen, to file a complaint. Anonymous complaints are accepted. 

Examples of complaints

  • Improper arrest, search, seizure or stop
  • Improper or inadequate investigation
  • Improper detention procedure
  • Improper police procedures
  • Excessive force
  • Discrimination
  • Harassment
  • Discourtesy

Why should I file a complaint with the PAB?

The PAB is staffed by university employees who are independent from the Police Department. Complaints from the community are important to us. Without such input from community members, the university may not be aware of police misconduct and cannot take steps to address it. All complaints will receive a fair and objective review. Complaints are received, reviewed and investigated by the Office of Compliance and Policy. This office reports to the UC Davis Office of the Chancellor. Investigation reports are then forwarded to the Police Accountability Board for independent review, and their findings and recommendations are sent to the UC Davis Chief of Police.