2023-05-03
The Victorian Greens have called on the Victorian Labor Government to urgently establish a police ombudsman in response to a scathing IBAC review released yesterday.
The review assessed 27 Victoria Police investigations into alleged predatory behaviour by officers, and found that the issue was ongoing, with many cases unreported.
This predatory behaviour reportedly included police officers using their position to start sexual relationships with people they met on duty.
And earlier this week, the historic Yoorrook Justice Commission heard that police officers continued to racially profile Victorians, and disproportionately use police power against First Nations people.
The Greens said appointing a police ombudsman would help clean up Victoria Police and ensure strong, independent oversight to investigate dodgy behaviour and help prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens justice spokesperson, Katherine Copsey MLC:
“Police shouldn’t be investigating police.
“As this review makes clear, abuses of power continue to run rife among police officers, and a lot of it remains unchecked.
“A police ombudsman would help clean up Victoria Police by providing truly independent oversight.”