Investigations
The Office of Police Integrity conducts investigations into allegations of serious misconduct and corruption. OPI investigation officers can utilise a range of overt and covert investigative methods to help them conduct their investigations. (See Powers and Legislation for further details.)
Investigations may result in a private or public hearing conducted by the Director or his delegate. (See Hearings for further details.)
Under the Police Integrity Act 2008, the Director has the power to conduct investigations into:
- The conduct of a member of Victoria Police
- Corruption or misconduct within Victoria Police generally
- Any of the policies, practices or procedures of Victoria Police
The Director may decide to conduct an investigation as a result of
- A complaint by a member of the public
- A complaint by a member of Victoria Police
- Or by his own determination, this is known as an ‘own motion’ investigation
When a complaint warrants action, OPI MUST investigate a complaint about
- The conduct of the Chief Commissioner of Police, a Deputy Commissioner or an Assistant Commissioner
When a complaint warrants action, OPI CAN investigate a complaint about
- Members and former members of Victoria Police, if an OPI investigation is considered by OPI to be in the public interest
- Matters involving police policies, procedures and practices that OPI considers need review
- In certain circumstances, a complaint already investigated by Victoria Police