What happens when your experience with police leaves you feeling that something has gone wrong?
If an officer has treated you unfairly, used excessive force, discriminated against you, failed to properly investigate a matter, or behaved in a way that left you feeling unsafe or unheard, you have the right to complain.
But knowing how to complain, who to complain to and what information you need can be confusing. That’s why Hear Me Out can help.
Holding police to account
When police misuse their powers, we need independent oversight to make sure they are held to account for causing harm. Complaints give people a way to speak up about what happened to them and challenge misconduct.
But complaints can do more than respond to one person’s experience. When people raise concerns about similar behaviour, complaints can be really powerful to reveal patterns of discrimination, harmful policies, poor institutional practices or failures in training and services
For this to lead to change, people need a complaints system that is easy to access and genuinely independent. They also need to know that when the same problems keep happening, those concerns will be taken seriously.
Everyone should have a meaningful way to speak up when something goes wrong and confidence that their complaint can help expose problems and lead to change.
What can I complain about?
You can complain about a range of police conduct, including the use of excessive or unnecessary force, unlawful searches or arrests, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or the way police have treated you.
You can also complain if police ignored your concerns, dismissed your experience, failed to take your report seriously, or did not follow the rules and procedures that apply to them.
If you are unsure whether what happened is something you can complain about, you can still seek information about your options. Start your journey here.
How do I complain about the police?
While you may be encouraged to raise your concern directly with the relevant police command initially, if it’s unsafe to do so or your concerns aren’t addressed, you should contact the relevant oversight body.
You will also need to provide information such as what happened, when and where it happened, who was involved, and any supporting documents or evidence you have.
The important thing is that you don't necessarily need to know all of this before you take the first step.
How can Hear Me Out help?
Hear Me Out is a free, purpose-built AI platform developed by the National Justice Project to help people navigate Australia's complaints systems.
Rather than expecting you to know the name of the right organisation or understand complicated complaint processes, Hear Me Out allows you to explain what happened and helps identify possible complaint pathways and educate yourself in the next steps.
You can also use the secure platform to find information about complaint bodies and get help preparing a complaint.
Hear Me Out is currently available for residents of New South Wales and Victoria.
You don't have to navigate the system alone
Hear Me Out can't guarantee an outcome, and it isn't a substitute for legal advice. But it can be the first step, and knowing where to start can make the process much less intimidating.
If you've had an experience with police that you believe was unfair or wrong, you can use Hear Me Out to explore your options and find out where you may be able to make a complaint.
You have a right to be heard.