police

where to complain

When dealing with the police it is important to know that you have rights. If you want to make a complaint about the police then you should do so as soon as possible after the incident. However, it is important to discuss the situation with your legal adviser or local community legal centre first.

When making a complaint try to write down everything that happened to you. This includes the names of the police officers involved, the time and date of the incident and what actually happened. If you have been injured:

see a doctor as quickly as possible;
get someone to photograph the injuries;
write down as much information as you can about the person or people who injured you including name, rank, police station etc.;
write down the name of the last person to see you before you were injured and the first person to see you afterwards; and
contact a lawyer who will help you make a formal complaint.

where to complain

Police Conduct Unit

Victoria Police Centre

637 Flinders Street

Melbourne Vic 3005

Ph: 1300 363 101 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (and after hours phone message service)

Email: ethical.standards@police.vic.gov.au

Web: www.police.vic.gov.au

The Police Conduct Unit is responsible for investigating complaints about the behaviour of members of Victoria Police. Formal complaints should be lodged as soon as possible after an incident. Victoria Police complaints are handled by the Police Conduct Unit. Initially these complaints will be referred to an Officer or District Supervisor for action. If an investigation is required the person reporting will be asked to assist in the preparation of a written statement to fully describe the incident. Legal advice may help.

If there are any injuries see a doctor as soon as possible and have good, clear photographs taken of any visible injuries. This service is best provided at the independent Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (ph: 9684 4444). Anyone can initiate a complaint on the complainant's behalf but the victim would still be required to make a statement. If the complaint is substantiated the officer(s) are subject to a range of disciplinary action depending on the circumstances of the case. The complainant will be notified of the outcome in writing.

Office of Police Integrity

Level 3, South Tower

459 Collins Street

Melbourne Vic 3000

Ph: 8635 6188; 1800 818 387 (toll free); 8624 6311 (TTY)

Email: opi@opi.vic.gov.au

Web: www.opi.vic.gov.au

At OPI your phone call will be answered by public service investigators rather than by police officers. An Enquiries Officer is available to discuss concerns regarding the complaint process and assist you to fill out a complaint form, which can be sent to you or downloaded from the website. Complaints should be submitted in writing (send to GPO Box 4676, Melbourne 3001).

OPI can investigate complaints about members of the Victoria Police force that are considered in the public interest and matters involving police policies, procedures and practices that need review. OPI can resolve complaints through conciliation, investigation or referral. See the OPI website for full details of the complaints procedure.

Ombudsman (Commonwealth)

10th Floor, 2 Lonsdale Street

Melbourne Vic 3000

Ph: 1300 362 072 (complaints line - local call charge)

Web: www.ombudsman.gov.au

The Commonwealth Ombudsman handles complaints about the Australian Federal Police. Complaints about treatment by the Federal Police or Victoria Police can also be made to the Officer in Charge of the police station. This should be done as soon as possible. A doctor should see any injuries as soon as possible.