Brisbane Use of Force Complaints - City Law & Police

Public Safety Queensland 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Queensland

Brisbane, Queensland residents who believe they have experienced unlawful or excessive use of force by police or council officers should know how to report the incident, preserve evidence and follow official complaint routes. Complaints about Queensland Police Service conduct, including use of force, are handled through the QPS complaints process and may be referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission for serious matters; use the official links below to start a complaint and get contact details.Queensland Police Service - Complaints[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and penalties for unlawful or excessive use of force depend on the outcome of investigations by the relevant agency. Criminal charges, disciplinary action, administrative orders or civil proceedings are possible outcomes; specific monetary fines for use-of-force incidents are not listed on the cited pages.

  • Enforcers: Queensland Police Service (Professional Standards), the Crime and Corruption Commission (for serious misconduct) and courts for criminal matters.
  • Investigations: internal QPS investigations, CCC oversight and, where relevant, criminal investigations by prosecutors.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: disciplinary demotion, suspension, management orders, and referral to courts or tribunals.
  • Complaint pathways: make a direct complaint to QPS, or lodge a complaint with the Crime and Corruption Commission for serious or unsatisfactory handling.CCC - Making a complaint[2]
  • Time limits: specific statutory time limits for reporting use-of-force complaints are not specified on the cited pages; submit complaints as soon as practicable and preserve evidence.
  • Appeals and review: administrative review avenues and external oversight include referral to the Queensland Ombudsman for public agency handling concerns.Queensland Ombudsman - Make a complaint[3]
Submit complaints promptly and keep a clear record of dates, times and witnesses.

Applications & Forms

Official complaint forms and online lodgement methods are provided on the agencies' complaint pages; specific form names or form numbers are not specified on the cited pages. Follow the links above to access the QPS complaint lodgement options and the CCC complaint form or online portal.

How complaints are handled

Typical handling steps: intake and assessment, preliminary investigation, referral to Professional Standards or CCC if necessary, and finalisation by disciplinary action, criminal charges or administrative outcomes. Timeframes vary by case complexity and are not specified on the cited pages.

Keep copies of all medical records, photos and witness details to support your complaint.

Practical Action Steps

  • Preserve evidence: note times, locations, officer details, witness names and secure photos or medical reports.
  • Contact QPS to make a complaint via the official complaints page or at your local police station.
  • Escalate to the CCC for serious matters or if you believe the QPS handling was inadequate.
  • Consider civil legal advice for compensation or civil remedies.

FAQ

Who investigates police use-of-force complaints?
QPS Professional Standards investigates many complaints; serious misconduct may be investigated by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
How do I start a complaint?
Begin by lodging a complaint through the Queensland Police Service complaints page or contact the CCC for serious matters; preserve evidence and witness details.
Can I appeal if I am unhappy with the outcome?
If you are dissatisfied with handling, you may request review through oversight bodies or seek advice from the Queensland Ombudsman or legal counsel.

How-To

  1. Record details immediately after the event: date, time, location, officer names or badge numbers and witness contacts.
  2. Report to Queensland Police Service using the official complaints page or at your local station and obtain a complaint reference.
  3. If the matter is serious or you believe misconduct was not addressed, lodge a complaint with the Crime and Corruption Commission.
  4. Follow up in writing, keep copies of all correspondence, and request progress updates within the agencies' published channels.
  5. If still unhappy, seek review options through the Queensland Ombudsman or consider legal advice for civil or judicial remedies.

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly: preserve evidence and note witness details.
  • Use official complaint portals for QPS and the CCC to ensure proper handling.
  • Serious cases may progress to disciplinary, criminal or civil outcomes; monetary fines specific to use-of-force are not listed on the cited pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Queensland Police Service - Complaints
  2. [2] Crime and Corruption Commission - Making a complaint
  3. [3] Queensland Ombudsman - Make a complaint

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