Making Complaints Against Police in Queensland
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 Queensland differs from federal law
Complaints against police in Queensland are handled by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Ethical Standards Command.
- The CCC is Queensland's independent anti-corruption body established under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 (Qld). It oversees all complaints about police misconduct and can investigate serious matters directly.
- Complaints can be lodged with the CCC online, by phone, or in writing. The CCC triages complaints and may investigate directly, refer them to QPS for investigation, or monitor the QPS investigation.
- The QPS Ethical Standards Command handles less serious complaints internally. Outcomes can include counselling, training, managerial guidance, discipline, or dismissal.
- The Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) allows individuals to make a complaint to the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) if a public authority (including police) has acted incompatibly with a human right.
- Queensland coroners investigate all deaths in custody and can make recommendations to prevent future deaths.
Additional Steps in Queensland
Lodge complaints with the CCC (ccc.qld.gov.au or 1800 061 611) or the QPS Ethical Standards Command. For human rights complaints, contact the QHRC (1300 130 670). Free legal advice from Queensland Legal Aid or community legal centres.
Relevant Law: Crime and Corruption Act 2001 (Qld); Police Service Administration Act 1990 (Qld); Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)
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.