The ACT Ombudsman has issued a factsheet to assist members of the public complain against ACT Policing for their actions during the current COVID-19 restrictions.
The Ombudsman said the factsheet was a “plain English guide” for the community to understand what could and couldn’t be done under the restrictions.
He said the factsheet outlined the powers police had been given to enforce restrictions and how to make a policing complaint.
“The Australian Federal Police (including ACT Policing) has increased responsibilities to ensure that the community complies with health directions designed to stop the spread of COVID-19 within the community,” the Ombudsman said.
“This factsheet explains who you can complain to if you have concerns about an interaction that you had with the police about these directions.”
He said complaints about the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and ACT Police should be made directly to the AFP’s Professional Standards Unit using its online complaint form.
“If you are not satisfied with the AFP’s response to your complaint or you feel uncomfortable, or unable, to approach the AFP directly, you contact the ACT Ombudsman,” he said.
He said the AFP and ACT Police could take “reasonable steps” to ensure people complied with public health directions, including requesting proof of identification if a person was not complying with restrictions; issuing warnings; and issuing on-the-spot fines of $1,000 for an individual or $5,000 for a corporation.
The Ombudsman’s three-page fact sheet can be accessed at this PS News link.
