Understanding the different types of police misconduct that may be occurring is key to recognising and preventing misconduct.
Misconduct risks for Victoria Police, include:
- Excessive use of force - Using more force than is needed in dealing with a person or situation.
- Predatory behaviour - Police personnel misusing their position to begin, or attempt to begin, an emotional or sexual relationship with a person they meet in the course of their duties.
- Police perpetrated family violence - Police personnel engaging in abuse or violence against their own family members or intimate partners.
- Sexual harassment - Police personnel engaging in unwelcome or unwanted sexual behaviour that offends, humiliates, intimidates, or undermines a colleague or member of the public.
- Improper tactical decision making and response - Failing to act or using poor judgement when managing an incident.
- Malicious use of discretion in the charging and management of alleged offenders - Intentionally misusing police powers against an alleged offender.
- Racial profiling - Targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on the person’s race rather than on evidence.
- Relationships with criminal networks - Helping organised crime groups to further their illegal activities and avoid detection.
- Drug trafficking - Aiding the distribution of illicit drugs.
- Improper strip searches - Asking a person to move or remove their clothing to search them without a valid reason. It also includes failing to follow procedures or breaching human rights when conducting a search.
- Reach back - Former police using their relationships with current police personnel for favours, information or access (to systems, buildings or people).
Others include:
• Inappropriate targeting or profiling of members of LGBTIQA+ communities
• Mistreatment or neglect of vulnerable persons (once in custody)
• Favouritism in recruitment and promotion
• Illicit drug use
• Bullying and harassing colleagues
• Improper human source management
• Non-compliance with body-worn camera policies and procedures
• Seeking out or accepting gifts and benefits
• Concealing police misconduct and corruption complaints
• Perverting or obstructing the administration of justice
• Theft of property, cash or drugs
• Preferential treatment of community members in hope of a reward
• Secondary employment in prohibited industries.