The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission serves as a neutral, fact-finding, investigative agency. The commission investigates complaints of discrimination in accordance with City Code (
Chapter 62) in the following areas:
- Employment
- Housing
- Municipal practices
- Public accommodations
This service is provided free-of-charge to residents in the City of Des Moines.
CONTACT US
Our staff are here to serve you Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., available over the phone at (515) 283-4284, via email at humanrights@dmgov.org or in-person at Polk County River Place, 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA.
Thing to know before you file a complaint
When you file a complaint, please provide:
- up-to-date contact information
- alternate contact information
- supporting evidence
- names of witnesses that support your allegations
Although investigations start in a timely manner, it is not unusual to experience delays throughout the process.
Filing A Complaint - Step 1 - Filing
STEP 1: Filing
If you think you, or someone you know, has been discriminated against in the city of Des Moines, please submit a complaint with the Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Commission.
You must file within 300 days of the most recent discriminatory incident. Police complaints can be filed at any time. We can help with preparing and filing documentation of your complaint.
Online Complaint forms are listed here:
PDF Complaint Forms (
ready to print) listed here:
Police Complaints
- Police - complaints can be filed directly with the Police Office of Professional Standards or with the Civil and Human Rights Commission using the Non-Housing forms listed above.
Filing A Complaint - Step 2 - Intake
STEP 2: Intake
To begin the preliminary investigation, we’ll work with you to file an initial complaint with an intake officer. This process includes an interview and review of the complaint for approval.
Filing A Complaint - Step 3 - Mediation
STEP 3: Mediation
The commission will attempt to resolve your complaint before investigation, if both parties agree to mediation.
Filing A Complaint - Step 4 - Investigation
STEP 4: Investigation
If mediation fails, the commission will conduct a neutral, fact-finding investigation.
Filing A Complaint - Step 5 - Litigation
STEP 5: Litigation
When the investigation is complete, a public hearing will be set if the complaint meets the probable cause requirements necessary for legal action.
