Media Releases

Research released today by Victoria's independent anti-corruption Commission, IBAC, reports that almost half of Victoria Police employees who responded to a survey say they fear that reporting internal corruption will result in personal repercussions, with 18 per cent fearing losing their job if they report police corruption.

The survey also found that only 20 per cent of Victoria Police respondents felt confident they would be protected from victimisation if they reported corruption. Just over one-third of respondents (38 per cent) believed that meaningful action would be taken if they reported corruption.

Chief Executive of IBAC, Mr Alistair Maclean, said the results were concerning given that sworn police offices have taken an oath or affirmation to uphold the law and are legally obliged to report corruption or police misconduct to Victoria Police or IBAC.

"Police can never turn a blind eye to corruption or misconduct. The community rightly expects every police officer to perform their duties and exercise their significant powers fairly, impartially and in accordance with the law," Mr Maclean said.

"Unfortunately, several IBAC investigations have exposed instances of police misconduct. This research shows there is a clear opportunity for Victoria Police to improve the level of confidence its employees have to report suspected misconduct, and to ensure they know about the protections available for those who report under the protected disclosure regime."

Clear safeguards are provided for people to make ‘whistle blower’ complaints under the Victorian protected disclosure regime. Protected disclosure measures can include protection from defamation and other detrimental action, including protection from harassment or intimidation taken in reprisal for making a protected disclosure.

The research showed that Victoria Police respondents to the survey demonstrated a strong personal commitment to the values of integrity and honesty and most agreed that their organisation shares these values.

Support is strong among Victoria Police employees for corruption prevention and education activities, and respondents reported they were confident they can identify corruption behaviours and risks.

Respondents believed there were opportunities in Victoria Police for corruption and misconduct to occur, including conflict of interest, abuse of discretion, perverting the course of justice and bribery. The most commonly identified corruption or misconduct risk was misuse of information, indicating a high level of awareness of the risks around access to, and use of, confidential information in the course of duty.

Responses to the survey were received from 1172 Victoria Police employees, representing approximately six per cent of Victoria Police's workforce. Of those who responded, 80 per cent were sworn police officers.

The IBAC survey of Victoria Police employees is part of broader research by IBAC examining perceptions of corruption among state government, local government and Victoria Police employees, as well as the wider community.

Media contact: media@ibac.vic.gov.au or 0427 480 840