What does OPI mean in POLITICS

The Office of Police Integrity is an independent agency that has been established to investigate, monitor and review serious police misconduct. It also has responsibility for educating police officers on ethical standards and developing strategies to reduce corruption and misconduct. Additionally, it provides a complaints service for members of the public to raise any grievances they have about the conduct of police officers.

The OPI has considerable investigative power, including the right to demand documents, interview witnesses under oath, compel witnesses to appear before investigations and conduct phone taps or surveillance if necessary. The OPI may also refer matters to the Director of Public Prosecutions or other appropriate authorities when criminal offences are suspected.

No, although its primary focus is on police misconduct, it also looks into allegations against Victoria Police staff and other government employees who work in law enforcement-related activities.

You can file a complaint with the OPI by filling out an online form on their website or you can call them on 1300 519 822 between 9am and 5pm Monday - Friday. Alternatively you can send your complaint via mail or fax.

In urgent situations where an allegation needs addressing immediately you should call triple zero (000). You will be directed to speak with local police services who may then direct your complaint onto the OPI if further investigation is required.

Yes, personal information provided in complaints is kept confidential and no identifying details are published without consent from those involved. However in certain circumstances this may not be possible such as where charges are laid against another individual based off evidence obtained through a complaint filed with the OPI.

Each investigation varies depending on its complexity but typically it can take between one and three months for each stage in order for investigations to be conducted properly. However more complex cases may require longer periods of time before they are ultimately completed.

If sufficient evidence does not exist then unfortunately there will not likely be any successful outcome from your complaint. However please note that whether enough evidence exists or not, all reports received by the OPI are still reviewed thoroughly regardless.

Yes, all members of Victoria Police must conform to the ‘Code Of Conduct’ which sets out expectations regarding professional behaviour while on duty. This code outlines standards expected from all personnel so that they remain respectful and lawful at all times while performing their duties.