Complaints about the police

What should I do first?

If you think you might want to make a complaint against police, it is important to record the details of what happened.

Write down everything that happened as soon as possible after the incident. For example, the date, place, time, witnesses, and the officer’s name.

If you’ve been hurt, you should also:

• see a doctor straight away
• get someone to take a photo of your injuries, and
• record the people you first saw before and after the incident and ask them to make their own notes.

When should I make a complaint against police?

It is usually better to make a complaint as soon as possible after the incident. However, if the complaint relates to an offence you have been charged with, you should get legal advice about whether it would be better to wait until your case has finished.

What should I include in a complaint against police?

Details of everything you say happened. For example, the date, time, location of the offence, officer’s name, witness details, vehicle details, conversations, and copies of medical reports, photographs and letters.

Who can I complain to about WA police?

• WA Police Complaints
• The Corruption and Crime Commission
• For damaged property, the station or section within WA police where the damage occurred
• The WA State Ombudsman for complaints about police administration.

Who can I complain to about Federal Police?

• The Australian Federal Police
• The Commonwealth Ombudsman.

What legal action can be taken about police complaints?

In some circumstance, you may be able to take legal action against the police for compensation or damages based on police misconduct.

You are protected from legal action being taken against you if your complaint was made in good faith. However, it is an offence to knowingly (deliberately) make a false, misleading or malicious complaint against police.

Resources

• Infosheet - Complaints about the police

Reviewed: 4 April 2022