The Albany Police Department responds to numerous civil complaints from Albany citizens throughout each year. The complaints usually involve landlord/tenant issues, neighbor disputes, and contract violations. Although there sometimes might be a criminal element involved in these disputes, usually the matter is referred to the civil courts to be handled because the case is not a criminal matter.

There is a local organization established to handle these types of civil disputes informally through mediation. The "Services that Encourage Effective Dialogue & Solutions" (SEEDS), was established for the purpose of resolving civil complaints. If you have a civil dispute that you have not been able to resolve contact SEEDS, and see if they have suggestions that might work in your case.