It is possible for minor complaints of rudeness or failing to answer a call for assistance to be made to officers at the police station where the problem arose. Such complaints can be made to the officer in charge of the police station, usually a sergeant or senior sergeant. Alternatively, you could complain at another police station in the same police district or to the Ethical Standards Department of Victoria Police (ESD).

You have a right to speak to the Duty Inspector, who is always on call. The police member taking your complaint should note, or be requested to note, in writing, the details of your complaint. The resolution of these kinds of complaints generally involves conciliation rather than investigation.

For the most part, the OPI has a minimal role regarding these complaints. 

Complaints involving issues of racism or other forms of discrimination should be made to the OPI, as well as either the state or federal Human Rights Commissions. 

While it depends on the specific terms in the discrimination legislation, in general, the Australian Human Rights Commission should be used where the discrimination arises in a context where the police have treated you as the suspect of an offence. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission can be used when you are alleging discrimination arising out of police failing to act where you are the victim of a crime. 

It is worth noting that complaints to Human Rights Commissions will not ordinarily lead to disciplinary or criminal sanctions against police, but may lead to systemic policy and practice changes and/or compensation. See: Chapter 17 Discrimination for further information and Commission contact details.

Complaints about police failing to follow procedures or legal requirements can be made to the OPI, but are most frequently made to the Duty Officer of the police district concerned. One of the functions of the District Duty Officer is to take such complaints and to make preliminary inquiries into them. Your choice should depend upon the seriousness of the police failure and whether you believe that it necessitates a substantial policy examination of this kind of police procedure. If it does, lodging your complaint with the OPI makes good sense.

If you decide to lodge a complaint relating to serious police misconduct, such as assault or theft of property, you should complain to OPI. See "Contacts", below, for details of where to lodge your complaint. The OPI prefer that complaints are made in writing. If attending the OPI office in person, call first to make an appointment.

Alternatively, you can make a complaint to the Police Victoria ESD. See: "Contacts" at end of chapter for details.