Video chapters
Quick answer
Ask police to record the report and explain the decision, obtain the event or reference number, preserve the evidence and request internal review where available. A complaint body can examine police conduct, but it cannot usually force a particular charge; a separate civil claim may address loss.
What to do
- Record — Get the event number, officer, date and stated decision
- Clarify — Ask what evidence or legal issue led to that decision
- Review — Use the force's internal review or complaint pathway
- Separate — Assess any civil claim, injunction or safety order
Transcript
Police have said they will not investigate, will not charge, or that the dispute is civil. Ask for the report or event number, the officer's details and a clear explanation of the decision. A refusal to charge is different from a report that is still being assessed or needs more evidence.
Preserve original messages, recordings, photographs, bank records, witness details and a short chronology. Do not edit the originals. Identify the specific conduct, date, loss or threat. Ask whether further evidence would change the decision and how to request review by a supervisor or specialist command.
Start with the police force's review or complaint process unless there is a reason not to. Serious police misconduct can be reported to the independent state oversight body, such as the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission in New South Wales or IBAC in Victoria. Those bodies oversee police conduct; they do not act as your personal prosecutor.
A matter can fail the criminal threshold yet still support a civil claim on the balance of probabilities. Consider a demand, debt or property claim, injunction, protection order, insurer complaint or regulator report. Private prosecution exists in limited settings but is technical, costly and exposed to discontinuance and costs.
A lawyer can identify the alleged offence, review route, civil cause of action and urgent protective option. Go To Court can provide free general information and arrange a criminal or civil-law consultation where a suitable lawyer is available. The contact details are on your screen.
Sources and further help
Sources checked 3 September 2026.
Important
This video provides general information about criminal procedure, police complaints and civil remedies in Australia. It is not legal advice and does not take account of your circumstances. Laws, procedures, fees and time limits can change, and state or territory rules may apply. Get advice from a qualified lawyer about your situation.