Making Complaints Against Police in New South Wales
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If an AFP officer has acted improperly, three different routes can take a complaint, and choosing the right one matters. The internal channel is AFP Professional Standards, which handles complaints about officer misconduct — excessive force, corruption, abuse of power, procedural failures.
The independent oversight body is the Commonwealth Ombudsman. It can investigate complaints, review AFP practices, and make recommendations the AFP takes seriously.
For serious or systemic matters — corruption, abuse of office, criminal conduct — the route is the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), established in 2023. The NACC has jurisdiction over Commonwealth public officials including AFP officers, and it replaced the older ACLEI. It is a much more powerful body than its predecessor.
Filing is free, and it is a criminal offence for anyone to victimise or retaliate against you for making a complaint.
When does it apply?
You can make a complaint whenever you believe an AFP officer or Commonwealth law enforcement official has:
- Used excessive or unnecessary force
- Been rude, abusive, or discriminatory
- Conducted an unlawful search or arrest
- Failed to inform you of your rights
- Engaged in corrupt or criminal conduct
- Breached the AFP Code of Conduct
Complaints can be made by anyone, including witnesses, family members, and legal representatives.
What to Do If an Australian Federal Police Officer Acted Improperly
- Document everything — write down dates, times, locations, officer names or badge numbers, and exactly what happened.
- Collect any evidence — photos, videos, medical reports, or witness contact details.
- Lodge a complaint with AFP Professional Standards online, by phone, or in writing.
- For independent review, complain to the Commonwealth Ombudsman at ombudsman.gov.au.
- For serious corruption matters, report to the NACC at nacc.gov.au.
- Consider getting legal advice before or during the complaints process.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay — make your complaint as soon as possible while events are fresh.
- Don't exaggerate or include false information — making a knowingly false complaint can be an offence.
- Don't confront the officer directly about your complaint — use the formal channels.
- Don't assume nothing will happen — the AFP and oversight bodies are required to investigate valid complaints.
How New South Wales differs from federal law
NSW has one of Australia's strongest external police oversight bodies: the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), established in 2017 to replace the Police Integrity Commission and the Inspector of the NSW Crime Commission.
- LECC investigates and oversees complaints about serious misconduct and maladministration by NSW Police Force officers and NSW Crime Commission officers.
- Less serious complaints are handled by the NSW Police Force Professional Standards Command (PSC). You can make a complaint directly to the local police station or to PSC.
- LECC can conduct public inquiries, compel witnesses to give evidence, and make findings and recommendations. It monitors how NSW Police handles complaints referred to it.
- You can also complain to the NSW Ombudsman about police administrative conduct, though the Ombudsman typically refers serious misconduct matters to LECC.
- Complaints can be lodged anonymously with LECC. There is no time limit for making a complaint, but earlier reporting helps preserve evidence.
Additional Steps in New South Wales
Lodge a complaint online at lecc.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 657 079. For less serious matters, contact the NSW Police Customer Assistance Unit (1800 622 571). You do not need a lawyer to make a complaint, but legal advice from Legal Aid NSW or a community legal centre may help.
Relevant Law: Law Enforcement Conduct Commission Act 2016 (NSW); Police Act 1990 (NSW), Part 8A; Ombudsman Act 1974 (NSW)
Common Questions
When does making complaints against police apply?
You can make a complaint whenever you believe an AFP officer or Commonwealth law enforcement official has:Used excessive or unnecessary forceBeen rude, abusive, or discriminatoryConducted an unlawful search or arrestFailed to inform you of your rightsEngaged in corrupt or criminal conductBreached the AFP Code of ConductComplaints can be made by anyone, including witnesses, family members, and legal representatives.
What should I do if an Australian Federal Police officer mistreated me or acted unlawfully?
Document everything — write down dates, times, locations, officer names or badge numbers, and exactly what happened.Collect any evidence — photos, videos, medical reports, or witness contact details.Lodge a complaint with AFP Professional Standards online, by phone, or in writing.For independent review, complain to the Commonwealth Ombudsman at ombudsman.gov.au.For serious corruption matters, report to the NACC at nacc.gov.au.Consider getting legal advice before or during the complaints process.
What mistakes should I avoid with making complaints against police?
Don't delay — make your complaint as soon as possible while events are fresh.Don't exaggerate or include false information — making a knowingly false complaint can be an offence.Don't confront the officer directly about your complaint — use the formal channels.Don't assume nothing will happen — the AFP and oversight bodies are required to investigate valid complaints.
Making Complaints Against Police in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.