This fact sheet answers some frequently asked questions about making a formal police complaint in NSW.

You have a right to complain about any interactions with a police officer, other employees of the NSW Police Force, or the NSW Police Force as an agency. Not all issues that you can complaint about will warrant a formal investigation.

This factsheet includes information on the following topics:

• Common types of police complaints
• What can I complain about?
• Who can I complain to?
• How do I lodge a complaint?
• What should I write in my complaint?
• What happens after I make a complaint?
• I’m unhappy with the outcome of my complaint, what can I do?
• Is there a time limit for making a complaint?
• Are there consequences for making a complaint?
• Do I have to make a formal complaint?

First published: August 2018
Last revised: September 2021

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