Complaints Against Police in New South Wales: Administrative and Political Dimensions

Abstract

The issue of public complaints against police in New South Wales has assumed the dimensions of a substantial administrative and political debate. Attempts at administrative reform within a framework of political compromise have resulted in recent times in continuing conflict between police representatives and, principally, the Ombudsman. Present trends appear to favour increased external control of the complaint investigation process — the core of conflict. This article describes the development of the New South Wales Police Department's complaint procedures from their origin to the present, placing emphasis on administrative and political dimensions. Relevant complaints and disciplinary data are examined but, due to limited availability, little can be concluded therefrom. So far, at least, there is nothing to suggest that changes in complaints procedures reduce police employee malpractice or even that public opinion of police generally improves as a result. However, several more years will need to pass before firm conclusions can be advanced on such matters. The issue of complaints against police in NSW poses a lasting administrative and political dilemma. The issue deserves the close attention of concerned public administrators and politicians alike because the form of resolution eventually arrived at will be crucial to the growth of police professionalism.

Police Employee Disciplinary Matrix

“…The majority of historical and contemporary literature on police discipline is focused on accountability systems that address how complaints against the police are handled, public access to the complaint process, citizen oversight, and how citizens are treated by the police during the complaint process (e.g., American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, 2009; Chevigny, 1969; De Angelis, 2009; Finn, 2000; Fogel, 1987; Human Rights Watch, 1998; McCoy, 2010; Noble & Alpert, 2009; Page & Swanton, 1983; Smith, 2001; Stone, 2007; U.S. Department of Justice, 2001; U.S.…”