Make a complaint about a poor experience with Victoria Police or report the actions or behaviour of our employees.
Victoria Police welcomes any feedback from members of the community. Feedback helps us understand where we can improve and how to better keep Victoria safe.
Victoria Police employees should always conduct themselves with professionalism and integrity. As such, we treat all complaints from the Victorian community seriously.
Your complaint can be anonymous if you wish.
You can lodge a complaint about the conduct or behaviour of any:
Before you make a complaint, consider the nature of your experience with us.
While sometimes our actions may not meet your expectations, that doesn't always make them unlawful.
An example of this is being stopped for a roadside breath test.
While complaints of any nature can be made directly to Victoria Police, complaints of a less serious nature may be resolved by speaking to the officer in charge of your local police station.
You have different options when making a complaint with Victoria Police.
Make an online complaint about Victoria Police or Victoria Police employees:
After you submit your online form, you will receive a confirmation email including a reference number.
If you choose to lodge your complaint anonymously, we will be unable to send you the confirmation email.
If you make an online complaint on behalf of someone else, you must also complete an Authority to Act consent form.
Victoria Police Authority to Act consent form (accessible document) PDF 951.52 KB(opens in a new window) Both you and the person affected by the complaint must fill out this form. The Authority to Act consent form requires the reference number from your online complaint. The Police Conduct Unit will contact you to obtain a signed copy of the form before progressing your complaint.
There are other ways you can lodge a complaint. Please choose what makes you most comfortable.
(opens in a new window) If your complaint is on behalf of another person, you must both also complete a Victoria Police Authority to Act consent form.
Victoria Police Authority to Act consent form (accessible document) PDF 951.52 KB(opens in a new window) Be sure to save the completed form to your computer or phone, and then print and submit a hard copy by mail. Mailing address: Police Conduct Unit
GPO Box 913
Melbourne VIC 3001
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is an independent oversight body. You can go to them directly if you prefer. Please be aware these complaints are often referred back to Victoria Police. If your complaint concerns police misconduct, you may prefer to report to IBAC directly via their report page. You can also call them on 1300 735 135, between 10am - 4pm, (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays).
When making a complaint you should provide as much detail as possible.
This helps us understand your complaint and process it appropriately.
You should try to include information such as:
Once your complaint is submitted, if you have provided us with your contact details, you will receive a confirmation email.
Victoria Police will then:
How your complaint is resolved depends on the nature of the incident you report.
Victoria Police's resolution process includes:
If your complaint isn't anonymous, an assigned officer will contact you.
They will provide updates and let you know the outcome by phone and/or in writing.
Some complaints may be assessed as public interest disclosures.
These are defined by the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 as serious complaints, including:
If Victoria Police identifies that a complaint may be a public interest disclosure, it will be referred to IBAC for assessment.
If you do not wish your complaint to be assessed, please email the Public Interest Disclosure team.
Please include your complaint reference number in the email.
For more information and guidance about public interest disclosures, you can:
Victoria Police manages your private information carefully and under relevant legislation.
If you make a complaint, we may need to refer related information to another agency.
However, Victoria Police may be authorised by law to use or provide personal information for other reasons.
Data may be automatically recorded for statistical and system administration purposes. Victoria Police will not attempt to identify you from such data unless necessary for the investigation or otherwise permitted under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
You have the right to request access to and correction of your information by writing to: Victoria Police Freedom of Information (FOI) Unit Box 913 Docklands VIC 3008 You can also call 03 9247 6801 or email our Freedom of Information Unit to make a request.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Police Conduct Unit if you:
You can do this by calling 1300 363 101.
For information about help with communication, visit our Compliments and complaints page.
Learn about available support services on our Contact us page.