Since 4 September 2017, police complaints have been overseen by the Office for Public Integrity (OPI).

The law about complaints against police in South Australia is found in the Police Complaints and Discipline Act 2016 (SA) and all references in this section are to this Act unless otherwise stated.

Any person may make a complaint about the conduct of a member of the police, or a cadet, or special constable, to another member of the police, cadet, or special constable, or to a police public servant, or the OPI [s 10].

Anyone charged with a criminal offence should speak to his or her lawyer promptly. People in custody have a right to make a complaint and police must take all reasonable steps to enable this to happen [s 11].

A police officer, cadet, or special constable, who reasonably suspect that another police officer, cadet, or special constable, has been involved in misconduct, corruption or maladministration in public administration must make a report to the Internal Investigations Section (see below) or the OPI [s 12].

It is an offence for a person to prevent, hinder or obstruct someone from making a complaint or report under the Act [s 41].

Maximum penalty imprisonment for two years or $10 000 fine.

It is an offence to make a complaint or report under the Act knowing that there are no grounds for making the complaint [s 42(b)].

Maximum penalty imprisonment for two years or $10 000 fine.