Making Complaints Against Police in Victoria
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 you believe an Australian Federal Police officer has acted improperly, you have the right to make a formal complaint. The AFP has a Professional Standards unit that handles complaints about officer misconduct, including excessive force, corruption, abuse of power, and failure to follow proper procedures.
You can also complain to the Commonwealth Ombudsman, which provides independent oversight of the AFP. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints, review AFP practices, and make recommendations.
For the most serious matters — including corruption, abuse of office, and criminal conduct by federal law enforcement — the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has jurisdiction. The NACC was established in 2023 to investigate serious or systemic corrupt conduct by Commonwealth public officials, including AFP officers. It replaced the former Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI).
Making a complaint is free, and it is an 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 should you do?
- 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 Victoria differs from federal law
Victoria's primary external police oversight body is the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), established under the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 (Vic).
- IBAC investigates serious police misconduct and corruption. It has coercive powers including the ability to compel witnesses, conduct examinations (including public examinations), and execute search warrants.
- Less serious complaints are handled by Victoria Police Professional Standards Command. IBAC oversees how Victoria Police handles these complaints.
- The Victorian Ombudsman can also investigate police administrative conduct and systemic issues.
- Complaints can be made anonymously and there is legal protection for whistleblowers under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (Vic) (previously the Protected Disclosure Act).
- IBAC publishes reports on systemic issues in Victoria Police, such as use of force, strip searches, and treatment of vulnerable persons. These reports often lead to policy reforms.
Additional Steps in Victoria
Lodge a complaint with IBAC online at ibac.vic.gov.au or call 1300 735 135. For less serious matters, contact Victoria Police Professional Standards Command (1300 363 101). The Victorian Ombudsman (1800 806 314) handles administrative complaints. You do not need a lawyer to make a complaint.
Relevant Law: Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 (Vic); Victoria Police Act 2013 (Vic), Part 9; Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (Vic)
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 about making complaints against police?
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.
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