Early Intervention to Reduce Complaints: An Australian Victoria Police Initiative

Abstract

Complaints profiling', 'early warning' or 'early intervention' systems are currently seen as vital mechanisms for reducing police misconduct and improving police-community relations. This paper reports on the introduction of an early intervention system for police in the State of Victoria, Australia. The findings support the contention that such systems have a demonstrable utility in reducing complaints. A sample of 44 individuals profiled showed that interventions resulted in a 71.07 per cent reduction in complaints, from an expected 121 down to 35 over a two-year period. Additionally, the study showed that the financial cost-benefit effects were very positive, with reduced complaints resulting in an estimated saving of AU$3.2 million over the two years. A study of a sample of nine locations showed a 58.6 per cent reduction in complaints, from a projected number of 60.6 down to 25 over a one-year period, with an estimated saving of AU$1.4 million. The paper also describes the types of interventions used and a number of issues that arise from complaints profiling.