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Police misconduct and discipline
how it works, and your rights

Being told you're the subject of a complaint is stressful, even when you've done nothing wrong. This guide explains who investigates in each force, how the process runs, what you can be directed to do, and what the possible outcomes are.

Updated 9 October 2026 16 min read Sources checked 9 October 2026 Independent, not advice

The short answer

Each force investigates complaints through its own professional standards unit, overseen by an independent body: LECC in NSW, IBAC in Victoria, the CCC in Queensland and WA, OPI in SA, the Integrity Commission in Tasmania, the NT Ombudsman and ICAC, and the NACC for the AFP. Outcomes range from counselling to dismissal, and most can be reviewed.

Oversight bodies

8 forces

each with an independent watchdog

NSW s 181D review

14 days

to apply to the IRC, no extension

Vic complaints 2023/24

1,942

IBAC, about Victoria Police

Max Qld fine

50 units

penalty units, PSAA s 7.34

Contents +
  1. 1How the system fits together
  2. 2Oversight body in each force
  3. 3From complaint to outcome
  4. 4The law and your review rights
  5. 5Your rights during an investigation
  6. 6Directed interviews
  7. 7Possible outcomes in each force
  8. 8Loss of confidence removals
  9. 9Association and legal support
  10. 10How common are complaints?
  11. 11Looking after yourself
  12. 12FAQs
  13. 13Sources

How does the police discipline system fit together?

General information only, not legal advice. The rules are detailed, the deadlines are short, and your association or a lawyer should advise on your matter.

Every Australian force has the same basic shape. A complaint or concern is raised, by the public, a colleague or a supervisor. The force's internal professional standards unit assesses it, and either deals with it locally, investigates it, or refers it on. An independent oversight body watches the process and can take over serious matters, especially corruption.

  1. 1

    Complaint or internal report

    Start

    From a member of the public, a colleague, a supervisor or an audit. Many complaints are about service or minor conduct rather than misconduct.

  2. 2

    Assessment and grading

    Triage

    Matters are graded by seriousness. Tasmania, for example, grades complaints Level 1, 2 and 3; the AFP uses Categories 1 to 3 plus corruption issues.

  3. 3

    Local resolution or investigation

    Inquiry

    Minor matters are often resolved by a supervisor through guidance or training. Serious ones are investigated by professional standards or the oversight body.

  4. 4

    Decision and outcome

    Outcome

    From no further action, through counselling and training, to fines, demotion, transfer or dismissal, depending on the force's law.

  5. 5

    Review or appeal

    Review

    Most significant sanctions can be reviewed by a tribunal or board, within strict time limits.

The detail differs a lot between forces, so the rest of this guide sets out each one side by side, using the legislation and official pages.

Who oversees police conduct in each force?

Independent oversight body and internal unit, by force

NSW Police

Oversight body
Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC)
Main law
Law Enforcement Conduct Commission Act 2016
Internal unit
Professional Standards Command (name not confirmed on the force site)

Victoria Police

Oversight body
Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC)
Main law
IBAC Act 2011
Internal unit
Professional Standards (incl. the Conduct and Professional Standards Division)

QPS

Oversight body
Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC)
Main law
Crime and Corruption Act 2001
Internal unit
Ethical Standards Command (as named in the Act)

WA Police

Oversight body
Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC)
Main law
Corruption, Crime and Misconduct Act 2003
Internal unit
Not confirmed

SAPOL

Oversight body
Office for Public Integrity (OPI); ICAC for corruption
Main law
Police Complaints and Discipline Act 2016
Internal unit
Internal Investigation Section (IIS)

Tasmania Police

Oversight body
Integrity Commission
Main law
Integrity Commission Act 2009
Internal unit
Professional Standards Unit

NT Police

Oversight body
NT Ombudsman (police conduct); Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC)
Main law
Ombudsman Act 2009 Part 7; ICAC Act 2017
Internal unit
Professional Standards Command

AFP

Oversight body
National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC); Commonwealth Ombudsman
Main law
NACC Act 2022 (from 1 July 2023); AFP Act 1979 Part V
Internal unit
Professional Standards (PRS)

Internal unit names are as given in legislation or official force pages. We couldn't confirm the current NSW and WA unit names from the force sites, which blocked our reader.

Oversight bodies differ in how much they investigate themselves. NSW's LECC reviews police complaint investigations, investigates serious misconduct itself and monitors critical incidents. In SA, the Office for Public Integrity has overseen police complaints since 4 September 2017 and can direct the Commissioner or the Internal Investigation Section, with corruption and very serious matters able to go to ICAC.

For the AFP, the National Anti-Corruption Commission has had jurisdiction since 1 July 2023, and the AFP's Professional Standards area must report serious or systemic corruption issues to it. The Commonwealth Ombudsman sets the AFP's conduct categories jointly with the Commissioner and can investigate how complaints are handled.

What happens between a complaint and an outcome?

What to expect at each stage, and what to do.

Most matters start with a notice telling you that a complaint or allegation has been made. Read it carefully: it should say what's alleged and which part of the code of conduct or law it relates to. Don't discuss the facts with colleagues who may be witnesses, and don't contact the complainant.

When you receive a notice

  • ✓ Call your police association before you respond or attend an interview
  • ✓ Write down your own account and timeline while it's fresh, for your adviser
  • ✓ Keep copies of notices, emails and any directions you receive
  • ✓ Note every deadline in the notice; review windows can be as short as 7 days
  • ✓ Follow any lawful direction (such as a restriction on duties) while you get advice

Investigations can take weeks or many months. During that time you may be placed on restricted duties, moved, or in serious cases suspended. Suspension rules vary by force and aren't covered in detail here; your association can tell you what applies to your pay.

Minor matters often don't become discipline

Many forces now separate low-level conduct issues, dealt with by supervisors through guidance, training or mentoring, from formal discipline. Queensland's Act, for example, includes "professional development strategies" such as mentoring, closer supervision or training for up to six months, separately from disciplinary sanctions (s 7.3).

Which laws apply, and how can you challenge a decision?

Discipline legislation and review routes by force

NSW Police

Discipline law
Police Act 1990, s 173 (reviewable and non-reviewable action), s 181D (removal for loss of confidence)
Review or appeal (time limit)
Industrial Relations Commission: s 173 action within 21 days; s 181D removal within 14 days ('harsh, unreasonable or unjust')

Victoria Police

Discipline law
Victoria Police Act 2013, Part 7 (discipline: breaches s 125, inquiry s 129, determination s 132)
Review or appeal (time limit)
Police Registration and Services Board (Part 8): within 14 days, or 3 days for a directed transfer

QPS

Discipline law
Police Service Administration Act 1990, Part 7 (from the 2019 discipline reforms)
Review or appeal (time limit)
QCAT review under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001; internal review by a commissioner for police service reviews (Part 9)

WA Police

Discipline law
Police Act 1892, s 23 (disciplinary offences), s 33L (loss of confidence)
Review or appeal (time limit)
Appeal to the Board within 14 days (s 33E); removal appeal to the WAIRC within 28 days (s 33P)

SAPOL

Discipline law
Police Complaints and Discipline Act 2016
Review or appeal (time limit)
Denied allegations go to the Police Disciplinary Tribunal

Tasmania Police

Discipline law
Police Service Act 2003, Part 3 (Code of Conduct s 42, actions s 43)
Review or appeal (time limit)
Police Review Board for promotions, demotions and terminations (s 54)

NT Police

Discipline law
Police Administration Act 1978, Part IV
Review or appeal (time limit)
Written application to the Commanding Officer within 7 days (s 84E); appeals under s 94

AFP

Discipline law
AFP Act 1979, Part V (conduct categories 1 to 3); termination s 28
Review or appeal (time limit)
Depends on the action; termination can be followed by a s 40K serious misconduct declaration

Review deadlines are short and often can't be extended. NSW gives 14 days to challenge a removal order and no extension.

Queensland's Part 7 came from the 2019 discipline reforms. It sets out the purposes of discipline as guiding, correcting and rehabilitating as well as disciplining, and requires the decision-maker to observe natural justice. It also requires a central disciplinary unit separate from the investigating unit (s 7.43).

What are your rights during an investigation?

The specifics are set by each force's law, so treat this as a starting point for questions to your association.

Across forces, three principles show up repeatedly in the legislation we read: you're entitled to know what's alleged, you're entitled to respond, and decision-makers must be fair. Victoria's Act says a discipline inquiry is not bound by the rules of evidence but is "bound by the rules of natural justice", and Queensland's says the decision-maker "must observe the rules of natural justice".

Representation at a hearing

What we found in the law
Victoria: you may appear or be represented by any person other than a legal practitioner (s 131). Other forces' rules vary; ask your association.

Natural justice

What we found in the law
Written into Victoria's s 131 and Queensland's s 7.32.

Time to respond to a loss-of-confidence notice

What we found in the law
WA: written notice of the grounds and 21 days to make submissions (s 33L).

Protection for directed answers

What we found in the law
NT and AFP: answers can't be used against you in criminal or civil court proceedings, with exceptions (see the next section).

Review of significant sanctions

What we found in the law
Available in every force through a tribunal, board or commission, with time limits.

You also keep your ordinary rights if a matter becomes criminal. A criminal investigation runs under different rules from an internal one, and you should get legal advice before answering questions in that setting. Your association's legal scheme is the usual route to a lawyer.

Can you be directed to answer questions?

In an internal investigation, generally yes. Police are employees and officeholders, and most forces' laws let them direct you to answer questions, give information or produce documents. Refusing a lawful direction can itself be a disciplinary matter.

In return, some laws protect what you say. Under the NT Police Administration Act (s 79A), you can't refuse on the ground of self-incrimination, but your answer is not admissible as evidence against you in other proceedings under the Act or in civil or criminal court proceedings, with exceptions such as perjury and employment matters. The AFP Act (s 40VE) has a similar protection, with exceptions including termination proceedings.

NT

s 79A

directed answers not admissible against you in court (exceptions apply)

AFP

s 40VE

same protection; termination proceedings excepted

Tasmania

s 46(3)

Commissioner may direct you to answer questions

We couldn't open the current NSW legislation to confirm its equivalent section, and we haven't set out the rules for every force. Because the protections have exceptions, and employment proceedings are often among them, get advice before a directed interview even if you think you've done nothing wrong.

What outcomes are possible in each force?

Sanctions available under each force's discipline law

NSW Police

Possible outcomes
Reviewable action under s 173: reduction in rank, grade or seniority, deferral of a salary increment, or other action (not dismissal or a fine). Non-reviewable action (e.g. counselling-type outcomes) under Schedule 1. Removal under s 181D.

Victoria Police

Possible outcomes
Reprimand; good-behaviour adjournment up to 12 months; fine up to 40 penalty units; up to 2 years' ineligibility for promotion or transfer; reduction in rank, seniority or pay; transfer; dismissal (s 132).

QPS

Possible outcomes
Dismissal; suspension without pay up to 12 months; probation up to 12 months; demotion; transfer; up to 100 hours' community service; fine up to 50 penalty units; reprimand (s 7.34). Separately, professional development strategies such as mentoring, training or counselling (s 7.3).

WA Police

Possible outcomes
Caution; reprimand; fine up to 3% of annual base pay; demotion; reduction in salary; suspension; discharge or dismissal (s 23). Removal for loss of confidence (s 33L).

SAPOL

Possible outcomes
Management resolution (restrictions, counselling, reprimand, remedial training); through the Tribunal: termination, suspension, reduction in rank or pay, counselling, training, fine (s 26).

Tasmania Police

Possible outcomes
Counselling; reprimand; fine up to 20 penalty units; reduction in pay; reassignment; transfer; for non-commissioned officers, probation, demotion or termination (s 43(3)).

NT Police

Possible outcomes
Counsel and caution; formal written caution; good behaviour up to 12 months; fine up to $2,000; reduction in rank or pay; transfer; suspension up to 3 months; costs or restitution; dismissal (s 84D).

AFP

Possible outcomes
Termination, remedial action, training and development action, or other action (s 40TR).

A penalty unit is a dollar amount set by each state and indexed; check the current value with your state's government.

Financial outcomes can last a long time. A reduction in rank, a deferred increment or two years' ineligibility for promotion all affect your pay for years, and in defined benefit schemes they can flow into super. Our ranks and promotion guide shows the pay gap between each rank in every force.

Free tool

See what a reduction in rank or pay would cost

Compare take-home pay at your current pay point and the one below it, so you and your adviser understand what's at stake before a hearing or review.

Compare pay points →

What is a 'loss of confidence' removal?

Some forces have a separate power to remove an officer when the Commissioner loses confidence in them. It's different from a disciplinary charge and the test is broader.

NSW: section 181D

The Commissioner can remove an officer after losing confidence in their suitability to continue, having regard to their competence, integrity, performance or conduct. The officer can apply to the Industrial Relations Commission under s 181E, on the ground that the removal was harsh, unreasonable or unjust. The application must be made within 14 days, with no extension.

WA: section 33L

The Commissioner must give written notice of the grounds, based on integrity, honesty, competence, performance or conduct, and allow 21 days for submissions. A removed officer gets 28 days' maintenance pay (s 33M) and can appeal to the WAIRC within 28 days, arguing removal was harsh, oppressive or unfair. The officer carries the burden of proof (s 33P).

AFP: termination and a serious misconduct declaration

The AFP terminates employment under s 28 of the AFP Act. Within 24 hours of that decision, the Commissioner can declare the conduct was serious misconduct under s 40K, covering corruption, serious abuse of power, serious dereliction of duty or other seriously reprehensible conduct.

Removal can affect your super

Losing your job can have super and insurance consequences, particularly in older defined benefit schemes. Ask your fund and your association what applies before you make any decision about resigning or contesting a removal.

What support does your association give?

Your police association is usually the first call. Most run legal assistance schemes, though the detail sits behind member logins. Based on what each publishes, as set out in our police associations guide:

TPAV (Victoria)

Published discipline support
Legal and Discipline Section: criminal and disciplinary investigations, Professional Standards Command matters, IBAC matters and PRS Board proceedings; a Legal Cost Fund

QPU (Queensland)

Published discipline support
Disciplinary, criminal and civil matters through partner law firms at no cost to members, once the union authorises it

AFPA (AFP)

Published discipline support
Professional standards matters, suspensions, natural justice responses, terminations and legal assistance funding

PANSW (NSW)

Published discipline support
A Legal Assistance scheme under its scheme rules

NTPA (NT)

Published discipline support
Discounted legal assistance through a partner law firm

WAPU, PASA, PAT

Published discipline support
Legal support is offered or referenced, but scope isn't detailed publicly

Cover usually depends on the scheme's rules and on calling early. Some schemes need approval before a lawyer acts. If you're not a member, you can still get independent legal advice; employment lawyers who act for police are the specialists to look for.

How common are complaints against police?

Complaints are common and most don't end in a sanction. Officers who deal with the public every day will almost certainly be complained about at some point.

Victoria 2023/24

1,942

complaints and notifications about Victoria Police (IBAC)

Warranted further action

406

of 1,966 assessed by IBAC that year

Tasmania 2025

346

complaint cases; 288 were Level 1

IBAC's figures for earlier years were 2,162 in 2022/23 and 1,965 in 2021/22. Tasmania Police also recorded 168 internally raised matters in 2025, and finalised 334 complaint cases. We couldn't find comparable published figures for every force.

How do you look after yourself during an investigation?

Being investigated is one of the most stressful experiences in a police career, and it can drag on. Officers often describe feeling isolated, especially if they're moved or restricted and can't talk about the matter with colleagues.

  • ✓ Use your force's wellbeing service or EAP: they're confidential and separate from professional standards
  • ✓ Lean on your association's welfare officers as well as its legal team
  • ✓ Talk to your GP if you're not sleeping or your mood is dropping
  • ✓ Keep routines going: exercise, sleep and time with people outside work

Need to talk to someone now?

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, any time. In an emergency, call 000. Our police mental health support guide lists each force's wellbeing service.

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Know when discipline rules change in your force

Discipline laws and oversight powers change through amendments that rarely make the news. Get a plain-English email when a change affects how complaints, directed interviews or appeals work where you serve.

  • ✓Plain-English alerts on discipline law changes
  • ✓New review deadlines and rights explained

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Frequently asked questions

Who investigates police misconduct in Australia?

Most complaints are investigated by the force's own professional standards unit, under the oversight of an independent body. That body is LECC in NSW, IBAC in Victoria, the Crime and Corruption Commission in Queensland, the Corruption and Crime Commission in WA, OPI in SA, the Integrity Commission in Tasmania, the NT Ombudsman and ICAC, and the NACC for the AFP. Oversight bodies can also investigate serious matters themselves.

Can a police officer be directed to answer questions in an internal investigation?

Generally, yes. In the NT and the AFP, the law says you can't refuse on the ground of self-incrimination, but your answers can't be used against you in criminal or civil proceedings, with listed exceptions such as employment or termination proceedings. Tasmania's Act lets the Commissioner direct an officer to answer questions. Get advice from your association before a directed interview.

What is a section 181D removal in NSW?

Section 181D of the Police Act 1990 lets the Commissioner remove an officer after losing confidence in their suitability to continue, having regard to their competence, integrity, performance or conduct. The officer can apply to the Industrial Relations Commission within 14 days, arguing the removal was harsh, unreasonable or unjust. There is no extension of time.

Can I appeal a police disciplinary decision?

Usually, but deadlines are short and strict. NSW reviewable action goes to the IRC within 21 days. Victoria's PRS Board reviews must be lodged within 14 days. WA appeals to the Board are within 14 days, and NT reviews within 7 days. Queensland decisions can be reviewed by QCAT. Speak to your association straight away.

Can police be fined for misconduct?

Yes, in most forces. Victoria allows fines up to 40 penalty units, Queensland up to 50 penalty units, Tasmania up to 20 penalty units, WA up to 3% of annual base pay and the NT up to $2,000. NSW reviewable action under section 173 excludes fines and dismissal, which are handled differently.

Do I get a lawyer if I'm investigated?

Your police association is usually the first call. Associations publish varying levels of legal support: TPAV's Legal and Discipline Section covers disciplinary investigations and IBAC matters, the QPU uses partner law firms at no cost once it authorises the matter, and AFPA lists professional standards support and legal funding. Cover depends on scheme rules, so call early.

Can I have a support person at a disciplinary inquiry?

It depends on the force and the stage. In Victoria, an officer at a disciplinary inquiry may appear or be represented by any person other than a lawyer. Other forces' rules on support persons and representatives vary, so ask your association what applies before any interview or hearing.

How many complaints are made about police?

In Victoria, IBAC received 1,942 complaints and notifications about Victoria Police in 2023/24 and found 406 warranted further action. Tasmania Police received 346 complaint cases in 2025, most of them at the lowest seriousness level. Most complaints don't lead to a sanction.

Evidence

Sources and how we checked them

Every figure on this page comes from the sources below, read on 9 October 2026. Pay rates and rules change when new agreements are made, so check the source for the date you're reading this. Where we couldn't confirm something from an official source, the page says so instead of guessing. Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy.

  1. Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (NSW) — role and jurisdiction
  2. NSW IRC: Police misconduct or unsatisfactory performance — s 173 reviewable action, 21-day limit
  3. NSW IRC: Review of a removal order — s 181D and s 181E, 14-day limit
  4. IBAC: Legislation we work under — IBAC Act 2011
  5. Victoria Police: Professional Standards — structure of the unit
  6. Victoria Police Act 2013 (authorised version 053) — Part 7 discipline, s 131, s 132, Part 8 reviews
  7. Police Service Administration Act 1990 (Qld) — Part 7, s 7.3, 7.32, 7.34
  8. Corruption and Crime Commission (WA): Police misconduct — jurisdiction over WA Police
  9. Police Act 1892 (WA) — s 23, s 33E, s 33L-33P
  10. Legal Services Commission SA: Law Handbook, police complaints — OPI oversight, Police Complaints and Discipline Act 2016
  11. Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Tas) — police misconduct jurisdiction
  12. Police Service Act 2003 (Tas) — Part 3, s 43, s 46(3), s 54
  13. Tasmania Police: Professional Standards complaints and outcomes summary 2025 — complaint levels and 2025 numbers
  14. Ombudsman Act 2009 (NT) — Part 7 police conduct, s 83
  15. Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2017 (NT) — referrals and police matters
  16. Police Administration Act 1978 (NT) — Part IV, s 79A, s 84D, s 84E
  17. Australian Federal Police Act 1979 (compilation 8 Nov 2025) — s 28, s 40K, Part V, s 40TR, s 40VE
  18. National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022 — commenced 1 July 2023; AFP a law enforcement agency
  19. AFP National Guideline on complaint management — Professional Standards (PRS) role
  20. IBAC Annual Report 2023/24 — Victoria Police complaint numbers, Table 12

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General information, not advice. This guide explains published rules and rates. It doesn't consider your personal circumstances and isn't financial, legal, tax or credit advice. Confirm anything you rely on with your force, your police association, the ATO or a licensed professional.