Ombudsman urges major changes to AFP complaints handling
Commonwealth Ombudsman identified 11 flaws in the AFP's complaint system. They made 10 recommendations to improve how it handles complaints.
An annual review by the Commonwealth Ombudsman found serious problems in how the AFP handles public complaints. The review examined complaints finalised between March 2024 and February 2025.
The review identified issues in how the AFP categorises misconduct. The review found too much reliance on discretion to close cases without action.
It also found gaps in managing conflicts of interest. The Ombudsman found the AFP mishandled complaints about police use of force.
In some cases, officers failed to properly check if force was reasonable and needed. Multiple cases were put in a lower misconduct category than the facts suggested.
The AFP accepts or accepts in principle all 10 recommendations to strengthen its complaints process.
- 11
- Findings identified
- 10
- Recommendations made
- March 2024 to February 2025
- Review period
Why it mattersWeak complaint systems erode public trust in police. Better handling means people can be heard when police overreach.
AustraliaAustralian police complaints now subject to more rigorous oversight, potentially speeding up resolution and improving fairness for those filing complaints against the federal police.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 d ago
