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Table of Contents
What is
Conciliation?
Conciliation is a simple and flexible
method of dealing with certain types of complaints. The NSW Police Service has
in place such a system for handling certain complaints by members of the public.
Complaints might include: rudeness, failure to provide a service, unreasonable
treatment or correct procedures not being followed.
Why do we Use It?
Conciliation saves all parties time and
anguish and leads to early resolution of these types of minor complaints. A
crucial element of the conciliation process is that it provides a valuable
opportunity for dealing with minor complaints. The process is not designed to
establish fault
Who is involved in the Conciliation
Process?
You as a complainant
-
Any member of the public who believes
they have been treated unfairly, or in an inappropriate manner, by police in the
course of their duties.
The Officer/s
The police officer/s whose alleged
actions or inactions in the course of their duties have been the subject of
complaint .
Authorised Conciliating Officer
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A supervisor or commissioned officer
accredited and authorised to carry out this process.
When is Complaint
Conciliated?
When an appropriate complaint is
reported to police by letter, telephone or personal contact and you, as
complainant agree to the matter being resolved in this way. Then an Authorised
Conciliating Officer is appointed to deal with the complaint. The actual process
might take several days.
How is the Complaint
Conciliated?
Details of the complaint are obtained
and agreement is sought from you to deal with it by way of conciliation. The
officer is advised of the complaint and asked for their version of the event.
After due consideration of the facts,
the Authorised Conciliating Officer will provide one of several possible
outcomes. You, as a complainant must agree to that outcome.
If you are not satisfied can you
take the Matter Further?
The New South Wales Ombudsman performs
an audit role concerning complaints against police. The Ombudsman is informed of
all matters dealt with by way of conciliation. If you want the Ombudsman to
review your complaint, inform the Authorised Conciliating Officer who will
indicate this on the Complaint Conciliation Form. The Ombudsman will then
contact you directly with the review's outcome.
Who can you Contact for More
information about the Conciliation Process?
- The Police Service Customer
Assistance Unit can assist with any questions you have concerning the
conciliation process on 1800 622 571.
- TTY (02) 9211 3776 for the deaf and
hearing impaired.
- The NSW Ombudsman's Office 580
George Street, Sydney (02) 9286 1000
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