A word of caution is offered concerning persons knowingly making false complaints about peace officers. Civil Code 47.5 (View note below) allows peace officers to bring civil action against a person filing a false complaint.

Note: Section 47.5 Civil Code can be found on the California Law Website Section 47.5 Civil Code (Peace Officers; defamation action against person filing false complaint alleging misconduct, criminal conduct, or incompetence)... a peace officer may bring an action for defamation against an individual who has filed a complaint with that officer's employing agency alleging misconduct, criminal conduct, or incompetence, if that complaint is false, the complaint was made with knowledge that it was false and that it was made with spite, hatred, or ill will.

The provisions of Penal Code (P.C.) Section 148.6 state, in part, that any law enforcement agency accepting an allegation of misconduct against a peace officer shall require the complainant to read and sign the following advisory:

You have the right to make a complaint against a police officer for any improper police conduct. California Law requires this agency to have a procedure to investigate civilian's complaints. You have the right to a written description of this procedure. This agency may find after investigation that there is not enough evidence to warrant action on your complaint. Even if that is the case, you have the right to make the complaint and have it investigated if you believe an officer behaved improperly. Civilian complaints and any reports or findings relating to complaints must be retained by the agency for at least five years.