Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is a liaison between the City of Detroit and all persons who have a complaint or inquiry into the operations of a City department or conduct of a City employee. The City of Detroit Ombudsman takes all inquiries and complaints seriously. Once received, inquiries and complaints will be promptly reviewed and processed.

The Office of the Ombudsman works as an independent oversight agency to provide individuals with a confidential avenue to address complaints. The Office proposes policy and procedural changes when systemic issues are identified.

The City of Detroit Office of the Ombudsman, first charted more than 40 years ago, is designed to provide protection for the individual citizen, business person or developer, where there is a lack of follow up or city services rendered. 

As an investigative agency, the Ombudsman Office responsibilities include taking complaints and advocating for the provision of public services.
What the Office of the Ombudsman does:

• The services provided by the Office of the Ombudsman are free of charge.
• Independently reviews and analyzes complaints or inquiries involving City services or employee with the purpose of identifying a resolution to the matter.
• Provides prompt and meaningful response to each complaint or inquiry.
• Upon a thorough review and analysis of complaints or inquiries, makes recommendation to the appropriate City department or person to resolve the matter.
• When appropriate, identifies barriers interfering with or preventing an efficient resolution of a complaint or inquiry.
• Makes appropriate written responses and maintains records related to the action taken in response to the complaint or inquiry.