Published on Friday 04, February 2022

Policing Health Survey

 

Sign the participant declaration below and take the survey now!

 

Participant Information Statement and Consent Form

 

1. What is this survey about?

This research study explores the circumstances and experiences of being stopped by police in Victoria in relation to a potential COVID breach. All stop experiences, positive, negative, or neutral are useful to this research. You are invited because you have responded to a social media post or postcard or through the extended networks of community legal centres in Victoria.

2. Who is conducting this research?

This research is being conducted by the Inner Melbourne Community Legal Centre with the support of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, the Police Accountability Project and Youthlaw.

3. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

To participate in this study, you must be: 

  • 18 years or older;
  • Have been stopped and or questioned by Victoria Police and/or a Victorian Protective Service Officer about a COVID related matter.
4. Do I have to take part in this research study?

Your participation is completely voluntary.

5. What does participation in this research require, and are there any risks involved?

If you decide to take part in the research stud, we will ask you to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire will ask you questions about the most recent time you were stopped by a Victorian police officer while in a vehicle or as a pedestrian in relation to a COVID matter. It should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete depending on the complexity of your experience. Because this survey is anonymous, any disclosure you make cannot be the subject of a mandatory report or disclosed by subpoena. Furthermore, we will ensure any case studies taken from this survey will be unidentifiable. We ask that you be truthful and accurate in your response to the questions.

We don't expect this questionnaire to cause any harm or discomfort, however if you experience feelings of distress as a result of participation a list of services that might be able to assist you appear at the end of the survey.

6. What are the possible benefits to participation?

We plan to use the information we get from this research study to inform legal and law reform strategies to reduce unnecessary police contact and improve the government's response to enforcing public health policy.

7. What will happen to information about me?

Your answers to this survey are anonymous and access to the survey responses will be provided to the research team only. By clicking on to the survey link below, you provide your permission for the research team to collect and use anonymous information about you for the research study. Your data will be stored on the Qualtrics website, then stored at the Inner Melbourne Legal Service server and on password protected computers used by the researchers for a period of 7 years after the project's completion. The IMLS will not disclose this data to anyone beyond the research team and any statisticians contracted to assist the team. 

8. How and when will I find out what the results of the research study are?

The research team intend to publish results of the research study in a variety of ways. All information published will be done in a way that will not identify you. Please check back at this website for the report.

9. What if I want to withdraw from the research study?

Once you have finalised your response you will not be able to withdraw from the study, but you can stop at any time.

10. What should I do if I have further questions or concerns about my involvement in the research study?

The person you may need to contact will depend on the nature of your query. If you require further information regarding this study or if you have any problems which may be related to your involvement in the study, you can contact the following member/s of the research team:

  • Michelle Reynolds | Policy & Advocacy Lead | Pronouns: She/her | Work days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
  • michelle.reynolds@imcl.org.au | Ph: 03 9328 1885
  • 2/508 Queensberry St North Melbourne VIC 3051 | PO Box 512 North Melbourne VIC 3051

If at any stage during the study you become distressed or require additional support from someone not involved in the research please call:

  • Your doctor
  • Lifeline Tel: 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days)
  • Women's Information and Referral Service 1300 134 130
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Line (Victoria) 1800 806 292
  • Australian Counselling Association Tel 03 9826 1422
  • Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) - register of psychotherapists and counsellors Tel. (03) 9486 3077

These services may be able to provide you with a referral to a counsellor or psychologist. It is important to get help if you are experiencing any ongoing distress.

If you need legal support please contact one of the following organisations:

  • Inner Melbourne Legal Service - (03) 9328 1885
  • Youthlaw - (03) 9113 9500
  • Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service 1800 064 865

Declaration by the participant

  • I understand I am being asked to provide consent to participate in this research study;
  • I have read this webpage containing the information and consent information;
  • I provide my consent for the information collected about me to be used for the purpose of this research study only;
  • I understand that if necessary I can ask questions and the research team will respond to my questions;
  • I freely agree to participate in this research study as described and understand that I am free to withdraw at any time during the study and withdrawal will not affect my relationship with any of the agencies involved in this study.

By clicking on the button below you consent to participate in this survey. This survey may take up to 15 minutes. Please give yourself enough time. 

TAKE SURVEY NOW