An audit of 89 complaints made against Tasmanian Police officers which were finalised during the calendar year 2012, has been completed by the Integrity Commission.

“The Commission audited all complaints recorded as completed in 2012, not just a random sample, and has commented favourably about the manner in which Tasmania police has investigated and reported upon allegations against its members,” said Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard.

“It should also be noted that a substantial portion of matters investigated do not arise from complaints from members of the public, but are internally-initiated by the organisation itself.  This is a positive demonstration of a culture of self-reporting and ensures that the highest standards of professional conduct are maintained,” he said.

This audit confirmed that almost all of the recorded complaint investigation outcomes were appropriate, however made suggestions that timeliness in completion of complaint investigations and record keeping could be improved.

While Tasmania Police does not agree with every aspect of the Integrity Commission’s audit report, it is always open to ways in which it can improve its performance, and this report will be useful in terms of informing its approach to managing complaints.

“Given the many thousands of interactions Tasmania Police has with members of the public every year, it’s pleasing that there are few complaints about police conduct,” said Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard.

Tasmania Police prides itself on its professionalism and the adherence of its members to its organisational values of Integrity, Equity and Accountability.