Miami's fledgling Civilian Investigative Panel wants people with complaints about how they were treated by police during last month's trade summit to know this: They exist, and they want to listen.

Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups have criticized local police for heavy-handed treatment of demonstrators during the Free Trade Area of the Americas conference two weeks ago. More than 200 people were arrested and dozens were pepper-sprayed.

But only one person has submitted a formal complaint to the CIP. Jamie Loughner said police treated her roughly, including throwing her to the ground and putting handcuffs on too tight.

''My greatest concern of all is that we are a well-kept secret,'' board member Brenda B. Shapiro said during a Tuesday meeting.

Miami Police Chief John Timoney told the panel that protesters were arrested only after they were told to disperse, and officers only took action when crowds began hurling objects at them, putting the officers in harm's way. ''We would be remiss if they weren't given ample warning,'' he said.

The 13-member civilian board, formed in March after a series of questionable police shootings, will hold a public hearing in the next few weeks for anyone with concerns over police handling of the FTAA protests. A date has not been set because the board first wants to review the Miami Police Department's own internal review of its performance.

Board members are also urging the public to send them complaints about any department's actions during the protests. Forty local agencies had a role in downtown security.

The FTAA controversy could thrust into the spotlight a board that for its first few months had no budget or staff.

But now, with a $678,000 budget and an executive director ready to hire investigators and a legal advisor, board members say they are ready to carry out their extraordinary task of policing the police. The CIP can make recommendations but has no enforcement power.

But Tuesday's meeting, at the board's new headquarters in downtown Miami, illustrated its potential influence. Timoney arrived with about a half dozen officers, gave a 45-minute talk and responded to questions by board members.

Also in attendance were Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Miami, police critic Max Rameau and a New Times reporter who was jailed with protesters.

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TO FILE COMPLAINTS:

The Civilian Investigative Panel wants to hear any complaints from people who feel they were mistreated by police during the FTAA talks. A complaint form is available online at www.ci.miami.fl.us/cip or at the CIP office at 155 S. Miami Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m weekdays. Complaints also can be sent by fax by calling 305-579-2436 or 305-400-5028.

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