Redfern Legal Centre (RLC) launches the Police Accountability Dashboard - a groundbreaking tool and the first of its kind in Australia.
Police
We provide free and confidential legal advice about police powers to people across NSW.
About this service
We provide free and confidential legal advice about police powers, access to police records, and police complaints. We are the only specialised police accountability practice in NSW.
We also provide advice on decision-making by government agencies and complaints processes administered by government.
We can advise you about issues including:
- Police harassment
- General searches
- Strip searches
- Arrests
- Excessive force
- Failure to investigate
- Fines, including COVID-19 fines
- Access to police records
We offer representation in matters involving serious complaints about the police.
Please note: RLC does not advise on most criminal matters.
This free statewide service can be accessed by people living anywhere in NSW. Learn more about accessing our services.
- You must live in NSW
- The incident must have occurred less than 6 years ago.
How to contact us
LEGAL ENQUIRY form call 02 9698 7277
If you need an interpreter, call us using the free Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
If we are able to advise you, we will arrange for a solicitor to call you back. If we are not able to assist you we may refer you to other services and resources, including those listed below.
Self-help information
Templates and resources to help you prepare your police complaint.
Information about your rights and what to do you are approached by the police, or asked to undergo a search.
Information to assist you in requesting access to information held by NSW Police.
Frequently asked questions about strip searches.
This factsheet provides information on how convictions are spent (removed) from your criminal record in NSW and when criminal convictions can be disclosed.
This factsheet provides information about the new police power to scan for knives or other weapons.
Law reform updates
Media releases
Legal Academics, legal experts, and social justice advocates representing community legal centres, legal services and organisations, law faculties, and advocacy groups have collectively signed an open letter (attached) calling on the NSW Government to fund trained mental health experts as first responders to mental health crises.
News
RLC and Slater and Gordon Lawyers have issued a class action proceeding for people who have been unlawfully searched by NSW Police at all music festivals in NSW since 22 July 2016.
Other important contacts
- The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) is the independent police watchdog in NSW. The LECC investigates serious misconduct and maladministration by NSW Police and reviews and oversees serious complaints. Phone: 02 9321 6700.
- The NSW Police GIPA Information Access Unit processes applications for access to information held by NSW Police. Phone 02 9689 7122.
