Media Releases

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has today launched a new campaign encouraging regional communities to speak out against police misconduct.

IBAC's 'You have the right to not remain silent' campaign will raise awareness of IBAC's police oversight role and empower members of the community to report suspected police misconduct or provide information anonymously.

IBAC has independent oversight of Victoria Police to ensure police act impartiality, professionally in accordance with the law and with respect to human rights.

IBAC's jurisdiction covers serious misconduct such as assault, disclosing sensitive police information, major cover-ups, bribery or fraud. IBAC also takes complaints on any conduct which would bring the force into disrepute or cause the public to lose confidence in police including breaches of human rights such as racism, sexist or discriminatory use of power, degrading treatment, and the safety and wellbeing of a victim or complainant.  

IBAC received more than 1600 complaints relating to Victoria Police in 2021, accounting for 55 per cent of IBAC's total complaints received. While its limited resources requires IBAC to refer many complaints to Victoria Police for investigation, IBAC reviews and audits police investigations to help ensure Victoria Police appropriately discharge their responsibility for police misconduct and identify policies and practices that need to be improved.

IBAC's intelligence suggests there may be incidents of police misconduct that go unreported by the public, particularly in parts of regional Victoria.

IBAC Commissioner, The Honourable Robert Redlich AM, QC said IBAC takes all complaints seriously and information provided by the public help prevent and expose police misconduct.

"IBAC recognises how challenging it can be for someone to make a complaint about suspected police misconduct. These challenges may arise for social, economic or cultural reasons or because it can be upsetting to speak out. IBAC manages complaints with care and sensitivity and treats a complaint as confidential when requested.

"Reporting police misconduct can assist IBAC to address systemic police misconduct issues and improve the conduct of Victoria Police’s internal investigations," Commissioner Redlich said.

Some complaints lead to important investigations that result in disciplinary action and criminal prosecutions. IBAC's recent Operation Bredbo investigation was initiated from a complaint which came from a member of the public.

Victorians can find out more information about reporting police misconduct to IBAC at ibac.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 735 135.

Deputy Commissioners Kylie Kilgour and Stephen Farrow are available for further comment.

Background

The breadth of IBAC's independent oversight of Victoria Police includes:

• receiving complaints/notifications about conduct of police personnel (including complaints received by Victoria Police, which are mandatorily reported to IBAC)
• assessing allegations about police misconduct to determine which are to be investigated by IBAC, referred to Victoria Police for action, and which are to be dismissed
• IBAC also reviews the outcomes of Victoria Police internal investigations to check they have been investigated thoroughly and fairly. Our reviews may result in recommendations for Victoria Police to strengthen its policies and procedures to address systemic police misconduct issues and risks and improve its conduct of internal investigations.
• conducting 'own-motion' investigations (i.e. we don’t have to have received a complaint) and we have a "standing own motion" in relation to deaths or serious injuries after police contact
• conducting investigations into serious or systemic police misconduct, including holding private or public examinations
• monitoring and ensuring Victoria Police acts in response to IBAC's investigations and reviews
• auditing how Victoria Police handles complaints
• overseeing Victoria Police's compliance with five Acts including the Crimes Act, Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Act, Sex Offenders Registration Act, Witness Protection Act and the Firearms Act and commencing in 2022 IBAC will also assume a compliance and reporting function in relation to Victoria Police's registration and management of human sources; and
• developing and presenting prevention education and training for Victoria Police officers and employees.