Why should I make a complaint or report?

You should make a complaint or report because South Australians deserve a professional police force which is committed to delivering consistent high-quality services to the community.  Police officers have an obligation to perform their duties with honesty and integrity.  Making a complaint or report assists to strengthen law enforcement integrity by leading to the detection and investigation of corruption, misconduct and maladministration or other breaches of discipline within SA Police.

The SA Police Code of Conduct outlines the professional standards expected of all members of SA Police.

The OPI provides South Australia with a strong, fair and impartial system of law enforcement oversight.

What will happen to my complaint or report?

When you make a complaint about SA Police to the OPI, it will be received by an Intake Officer and then referred to the Internal Investigation Section (IIS) of SA Police. In very limited circumstances, your complaint might be referred directly to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

The IIS will assess your complaint to determine the most appropriate action.

This could include:

• a full investigation
• a management resolution process (eg: training or further education for the Designated Officer)
• no further action.

The IIS can decide not to take action for a number of reasons. This includes if the IIS consider an investigation unnecessary or unjustifiable, or if a complaint is not made in good faith, or if it has been dealt with previously.

How does the OPI oversee your police complaint?

The OPI reviews all assessments made by the IIS. If the OPI disagrees with their assessment, we can reassess the complaint. Our decision is final.

We may also give directions to the IIS including directions about investigation methods, the matters to be investigated or the evidence to be obtained in relation to a specific investigation.

The OPI actively monitors investigations as they progress.

What happens then?

If your complaint is being managed by the IIS, the IIS will tell you about the outcome of their assessment or investigation.

If you have questions about a complaint being managed by the IIS, you need to ask them directly. We are not able to update or advise you on matters that are with the IIS. You can contact IIS via email: SAPOLIIS@police.sa.gov.au

If we refer your complaint to the ICAC, the ICAC will tell you about the outcome of their assessment.

You can read more about this process in our Police Fact Sheet.

How do I make a complaint or report?

There are several ways you can make a complaint about a public officer.

Please contact the OPI if you wish to book an appointment to make your complaint or report in person.

When making your complaint or report about a police officer, you will need to provide an explanation of what has happened. It is helpful to include:

• Names and details of the police officers (including gender, rank, police station)
• When and where the conduct occurred
• Other details (including the names of witnesses or video footage).

You can remain anonymous. However, it is helpful if you share your contact details with us so we can follow up if we need more information and to tell you about the outcome.