In response to the police misconduct and corruption vulnerabilities identified in this report, IBAC made the following recommendations to Victoria Police under section 159 of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 (Vic):
Recommendation 1
The Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police undertake a comprehensive review of the use of illicit drugs by Victoria Police officers, as well as associated policies, systems and practices to inform the development and implementation of a more robust framework to prevent and detect police illicit drug use. This review should consider, among other things:
- the development of clear policy on the use of illicit drugs and the consequences of such use by officers, with reference to contemporary best practice
- strengthening recruitment processes and policies to more effectively identify and manage risks
- the adequacy of the current drug testing regime and how it can be improved
- improving training and communication to clearly and regularly reinforce Victoria Police's position and response to illicit drug use by its officers
- appropriate welfare and support arrangements for officers detected using illicit drugs, including those who voluntarily disclose their use of illicit drugs.
Recommendation 2
The Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police to provide IBAC with a progress report by 30 June 2017 and final report by 30 June 2018 on development and implementation of a more robust framework to prevent and detect police illicit drug use. These reports will be published on IBAC's website.