As part of our work to determine how effectively Victoria Police handles complaints against police officers, IBAC audited a sample of investigations conducted by Professional Standards Command (PSC) during the 2015/16 financial year. This audit assessed whether PSC's complaint investigations were thorough and impartial and met the standards required for the handling of such serious allegations. IBAC identified that there are aspects of PSC's complaint handling processes that are concerning and require improvement.

Since 2011, transit Protective Services Officers (PSOs) have been employed by Victoria Police to patrol metropolitan and major regional railway stations. Their functions include maintaining a visible presence on train stations and surrounding areas, engaging with the community and fostering a sense of safety. They exercise a range of powers including the power to arrest and detain people, to request personal information, and to search people and property.

In March 2015 the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) received closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from Victoria Police showing the alleged mistreatment of a woman in custody in the cells of the Ballarat Police Station. IBAC subsequently commenced an own motion investigation named Operation Ross.