The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission ('LECC') handles complaints about misconduct and administrative failures by NSW police officers, police staff, and NSW Crime Commission personnel. The LECC operates independently to ensure these complaints are addressed properly. It can investigate complaints, recommend disciplinary action or prosecution, or refer complaints to other public bodies for investigation. The LECC's main roles are to detect, investigate, and prevent serious police misconduct.
What types of complaints can you make?
Misconduct
- Police Misconduct, Administrative Employee Misconduct, and Crime Commissioner Officer Misconduct: Any action or inaction by these officers that is a criminal offence, corrupt conduct, unlawful, or breaches discipline or code of conduct.
Serious Misconduct
- Conduct that could be a serious criminal offence / result in serious disciplinary action: Conduct that could lead to prosecution for a serious offence or serious disciplinary action.
- A pattern of misconduct: Repeated misconduct indicating systemic issues within the NSW Police Force or Crime Commission.
- Corrupt conduct: Conduct involving a breach of public trust, misuse of public power, or conspiracy to do so.
Maladministration
- Agency Maladministration: Unlawful or unreasonable actions or inactions by the NSW Police Force or Crime Commission.
- Officer Maladministration: Unlawful or unreasonable actions or inactions by a police officer, administrative employee, or Crime Commission officer.
What is NOT included?
Conduct related to court proceedings, internal performance management, traffic decisions, and other law enforcement agencies outside NSW.
Jurisdiction:
The LECC Investigates complaints regardless of where the conduct occurred.
Time Limitations:
No strict time limits, but timely complaints are more effective.
Exclusions:
Customer service issues, internal performance management, and issues related to other law enforcement agencies outside NSW.
Additional information:
Complaints can be made to both the LECC and the Police Commissioner or Crime Commission.
Who can you make a complaint against?
You can make complaints against:
- Individuals and the Crime Commission / NSW Police Force: Complaints about police officers, Crime Commission officers, administrative employees, and the NSW Police Force or Crime Commission.
Exclusions:
- Federal parliamentarians, departments, agencies, or the judiciary.
Are you eligible to make a complaint?
Who can make a complaint?
Any person, including public authorities, can complain about misconduct or maladministration.
Time Limits:
None.
Exclusions:
None.
Additional information:
Complaints can be made anonymously, and there is no cost for lodging a complaint. The LECC may recommend protections for individuals involved in criminal activity.
What can this body do to help?
This body may provide:
- Mediation/Conciliation: Informal, flexible processes to resolve disputes with the help of the LECC as an independent third party.
- Possible Outcomes: Conducting investigations, referring matters to other authorities, facilitating alternative dispute resolution, or deciding on no further action. The LECC can also make determinations regarding allegations of misconduct or improper conduct by law enforcement officers or agencies, seek advice on criminal proceedings, and recommend actions under the Police Act 1990 (NSW).
Additional information:
The LECC does not decide on guilt for criminal offences or disciplinary infringements. Reports are prepared for Parliament and published annually.
How to prepare your complaint
Format:
Complaints must be in writing, but the LECC can accept verbal complaints if necessary.
Personal Details:
Complainants can remain anonymous, but it may limit the investigation's effectiveness.
Relevant Facts:
Details about what happened, when, where, and who was involved.
What NOT to include:
Customer service issues, internal performance management, traffic decisions, and issues about law enforcement agencies outside NSW.
Additional Information:
Making a false complaint is an offence with severe consequences.
Lodging your complaint and next steps:
Where to lodge your complaint:
- Online: Access the online form here.
- Mail: Print the online form out and send to:
Level 3, 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
GPO Box 3880, Sydney NSW 2001
- Fax: (02) 9321 6799
- Telephone: (02) 9321 6700
- Contact: Through a lawyer or Member of Parliament.
Investigation:
The LECC evaluates whether to investigate based on the seriousness of the misconduct. Preliminary investigations may be conducted to identify relevant conduct.
Finalisation:
The LECC may discontinue or conclude an investigation at any time and must inform the complainant and the Commissioner of Police of the decision and reasons.
Additional Information:
Keep a copy of any complaint made. Translation and interpreter services are available.
More information:
Refer to the factsheet provided below for more information.
