File an online police report for a qualifying incident. If you have a complaint against a police officer or sheriff's deputy, you should first direct your complaint to the local law enforcement agency.To file a complaint against a local police department, contact the Internal Affairs division or a civilian oversight board. To report a crime that has or may have occurred in California, dial 9-1-1 or contact your local law enforcement agency. Citizen Complaint or Commendation Form. In this blog, we'll discuss how wrongful arrests happen and explore what you can do if a police officer unlawfully arrested you. Can you sue a police officer for false arrest and assault? Any crime in the officer's presence. 5. Other arrests happen pursuant to a warrant. Generally, a law-enforcement officer cannot arrest someone for a misdemeanor not committed in the officer's presence—but there are exceptions.