You Have the Right to Not Remain Silent
Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is reminding Victorians to speak out against police misconduct, with its relaunched You have the right to not remain silent campaign.
IBAC’s police oversight role is significant and includes investigations of serious or systemic corruption or misconduct.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of IBAC’s police oversight role and empower members of the community to report suspected police misconduct or provide information anonymously.
New focussed police complaints team
IBAC has recently embedded a dedicated multi-disciplinary team to assess and investigate single incident complaints about police misconduct from communities at a higher risk of experiencing misconduct.
The team’s purpose is to improve communications and provide a more tailored response to complaints from these communities, including those who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTIQA+, culturally and linguistically diverse, young people or those with mental illness or disability.
In 2024, IBAC finalised 30 preliminary inquiries and investigations – an increase of 50 per cent compared to 2023.
What is police misconduct?
IBAC can take complaints about a range of police misconduct from serious or systemic corruption through to less serious instances of police misconduct.
Police misconduct includes:
- excessive use of force
- breaches of human rights
- bribery
- disclosing sensitive police information
- cover-ups
- fraud
- discrimination or prejudice based on race, religion, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
To reach the diverse Victorian community, the campaign has been translated into seven languages. These are Arabic, Cantonese, Dari, Hindi, Karen, Mandarin and Vietnamese.
If you see or experience police misconduct, you should report it to IBAC. You can safely make a formal complaint or report information on IBAC’s website.
Visit IBAC’s website to learn more about police misconduct and IBAC’s police oversight role.
A message from IBAC Deputy Commissioner Liana Buchanan
IBAC Deputy Commissioner Liana Buchanan said she recognises how challenging it can be for someone to make a complaint about suspected police misconduct.
“I know there are many reasons people do not report police misconduct, including fear of repercussions. If someone feels more comfortable, they can provide information to IBAC anonymously.
“By speaking out against police misconduct, Victorians can play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and accountable law enforcement system. Remember, you have the right to not remain silent – your experiences and reports can drive positive change and help create a safer Victoria for all.”
About IBAC
IBAC’s independent oversight of Victoria Police includes:
- receiving complaints/notifications about conduct of police personnel (including complaints received by Victoria Police, which are mandatorily reported to IBAC)
- assessing allegations about police misconduct to determine which are to be investigated by IBAC, referred to Victoria Police for action, and which are to be dismissed
- reviewing the outcomes of Victoria Police internal investigations to check they have been investigated thoroughly and fairly. Their reviews may result in recommendations for Victoria Police to strengthen its policies and procedures to address systemic police misconduct issues and risks and improve its conduct of internal investigations
- conducting ‘own-motion’ investigations (ie they don’t need to have received a complaint) and they have a ‘standing own-motion’ in relation to deaths or serious injuries after police contact
- conducting investigations into serious or systemic police misconduct, including holding private or public examinations
- monitoring and ensuring Victoria Police acts in response to IBAC’s investigations and reviews
- auditing how Victoria Police handles complaints
- overseeing Victoria Police’s compliance with six Acts including the Crimes Act, Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Act, Sex Offenders Registration Act, Witness Protection Act, Firearms Act and the Human Source Management Act.
- developing and presenting prevention education and training for Victoria Police officers and employees.
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