Compliments
We are always keen to hear about any positive experiences you have with the services we provide, or interactions you have with individual police officers in your community.
It is important for our officers to receive recognition of their good work so that they can continue to provide a high-quality service to all community members – so we will always pass on your thanks and feedback to the officers concerned.
To submit a compliment in writing, you can:
- email tasmania.police@police.tas.gov.au
- write to: The Commissioner Tasmania Police, GPO Box 308, HOBART TAS 7001.
- visit your local police station
Complaints
The management of complaints about Tasmania Police conduct is governed by legislative provisions contained within the Police Service Act 2003 (the Act).
Tasmania Police will deal with complaints in accordance with the Act and with the Commissioner’s Directions for Conduct and Complaint Management, and Compliance Review.
To submit a complaint in writing, you can:
- complete a Statement of Complaintand email it to tasmania.police@police.tas.gov.au
- post your Statement of Complaint to – Deputy Commissioner Tasmania Police, GPO Box 308, HOBART TAS 7001
- call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 (in some instances a written complaint may be required).
You can make a complaint anonymously, however, remaining anonymous means that we will not be able to advise you of the outcome of your complaint.
What you can expect from Tasmania Police?
Once you have made your complaint to Tasmania Police, in line with our Service Charter, we will:
- keep you advised of the progress of our management of your complaint, including anticipated timeframes
- advise you of the action taken and outcome in respect of the complaint.
What do we expect of you?
Tasmania Police may elect not to receive or take a complaint from you if you demonstrate any of the following:
- high levels of intoxication
- abusive or threatening behaviour
- causing damage to Tasmania Police property, and/or
- offering or threatening physical violence to Tasmania Police employees.
False complaints
It is an offence under the Police Offences Act 1935 to knowingly make a false report or complaint.
Alternative options
Complaints against police can also be directed to the Ombudsman and the Integrity Commission.
The Ombudsman and the Integrity Commission both have the ability to review the investigations conducted by Tasmania Police to ensure complaints are managed appropriately.
- The Ombudsman – the role of the Ombudsman is to investigate the administrative actions of public authorities to ensure their actions are lawful, reasonable and fair.
The Office of the Ombudsman work in an independent, impartial and objective way to resolve complaints and to address systemic problems in order to improve the quality and standard of Tasmanian public administration. Further information on making a complaint to the Ombudsman is available on the Ombudsman Tasmania website.
- The Integrity Commission – the Integrity Commission is an independent body established to improve the integrity of government and public authorities in Tasmania, with the overall aim of enhancing community trust and confidence in the system of government.
The Integrity Commission also deals with complaints about misconduct by police officers. Further information on making a complaint to the Integrity Commission is available on the Integrity Commission website.
Complaint Process Experience Survey
Tasmania Police is committed to continuous improvement in the way in which we handle complaints.
If you would like to provide feedback on our complaint process, please complete the Complaint Process Experience Survey.
Note – this is not an alternative complaint form.