Lodge a Complaint Against a Police Officer
Being made to feel uncomfortable, intimidated or unsafe by a member of the police force is not acceptable.
You might like to lodge a complaint to put your concerns in writing, seek retribution or accountability, and help to ensure that others are less likely to be subjected to the same behaviour.
State police websites have prompts to submit complaints online. There is generally no time limit on lodging a complaint, however police have the power to refuse to investigate an incident that occurred ‘too long ago.’ It is advised that you submit your complaint within 12 months of the incident.
When making a complaint, the information you should try to include is:
- Your name and contact details (although you may remain anonymous)
- A detailed description of what happened
- Date, time and location of the incident
- Names (if known) of the police employees involved
- Details of any documents, records, witnesses, that may assist in the resolution of your complaint
- What you expect the police to do about your concern
- Any other information you consider relevant.
Once a complaint is received it will be registered. You will be provided with an identification number, and your complaint should be forwarded to a complaint handler for consideration.
If the incident occurred less than 6 years ago and you live in NSW, Redfern Legal Centre can help you.
After you have made a complaint to police, you can choose to contact the Ombudsman in your state or territory if you feel your concerns were not addressed. The Ombudsman can look at what processes were or were not followed by police in relation to your complaint.
If you are still not satisfied, there are more steps you can follow depending on which state or territory you live. This might be contacting a Police Integrity Commission or an Anti-Corruption Commission. knowmore has this resource to assist you.
