02 9261 4281
02 9261 4281
sydney specialist avo lawyers

Is police misconduct on the rise?

In NSW, complaints of misconduct or maladministration within the Police Force are investigated by the Law Enforcement and Complaints Commission (LECC). However, it has been recently revealed that due to funding cuts, only 2% of complaints received were investigated in the last year (2018).

With the pressure of a further $6 million budget cut over the next four years, the Commission will still not be able to investigate the majority of complaints. In a recent report, LECC chief commissioner Michael Adams QC said that “Like most other public service organisations, we are consistently required to do more with less”.

What is more disturbing, is the fact that the number of police complaints appear to be increasing, but the State has not responded to this issue. This shows that there are general problems in this area which is consistent with the work our firm addresses in suing police for misconduct, assaults, unlawful imprisonments and malicious damage.

After the recent release of shocking videos of police misconduct, public attention and media coverage are putting pressure on the LECC to improve their investigative processes. However, the funding of the Commission will be an ongoing issue that might leave vulnerable people at risk in the future.

Peter O’Brien

The STMP undermines the objective of diverting young people from the criminal justice system.

Have you been a victim of police abuse? Contact O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors at (02) 9261 4281 to discuss your legal options.

Peter O'Brien Sydney Lawyer
Principal Solicitor & Founder at  |  + posts

Peter O'Brien is the Principal Solicitor of O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors and Australia's leading expert in intentional torts litigation, with over 25 years of experience securing landmark victories in malicious prosecution and unlawful imprisonment cases. Author of Intentional Tort Litigation in Australia and recipient of the Law Council of Australia President's Medal, Peter has achieved record-breaking compensation for clients and is widely recognised for his unwavering commitment to access to justice.

author avatar
Peter O'Brien Principal Solicitor & Founder
Peter O'Brien is the Principal Solicitor and founder of O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors, bringing over 25 years of specialised experience in criminal defence and civil litigation.
See Full Bio
Criminal Defence Civil Litigation Defamation Law Intentional Torts Unlawful Imprisonment
social network icon

Recommended articles

Search

Criminal Law

Civil Law

Case Studies

About Us

Our Socials

Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin
O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors
e: 
p: 02 9261 4281

a: Level 4, 219-223 Castlereagh St,
Sydney NSW 2000

Privacy Policy

© 2025 O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors.  All Rights Reserved.

Scroll to Top