Over 17,000 employees will be interviewed as part of a landmark review of sex discrimination, sexual harassment and predatory behaviour in Victoria Police.

Victoria Police (VICPol) launched the far-reaching review this week, saying it would be undertaken by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC).

The independent and confidential review was ordered by former Chief Commissioner of Police, Ken Lay.

The Police Association and the Community and Public Sector Union have backed the review, and a report and action plan are expected by the end of the year.

“Victoria Police is a proud organisation and this is a positive step in ensuring an environment that supports the safety of all staff,” Commissioner of VEOHRC, Kate Jenkins said.

“Harassment and discrimination can happen to anyone, regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, and we know it often goes unreported. When it happens, the performance of the organisation is negatively affected.

“To understand the extent of the problem, we want to hear from everyone - regardless of whether they have been personally targeted.”

Police force members can raise their voices via the survey, and a confidential phone line has been set up as well.

Former police employees, their families and supporters are urged to come forward too.

Commissioners will perform site visits, hold focus groups, conduct confidential interviews, and speak to senior officers to find out where abuse and harassment comes from, and how it can be stopped.

The Commission says it will monitor and report on implementation of the final plan over three years.

“I am extremely grateful to the VEOHRC for taking on this important project and confident that it will help us build a much improved workplace, where all staff can be safe, included and free from harassment,” Acting Police Chief Commissioner Tim Cartwright said.

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable and at odds with everything we stand for. No one should have to come to work and not feel safe,” he said.

The review will be chaired by Commissioner Jenkins, as well as other panel members; former New Zealand Police Commissioner Peter Marshall, Professor of Employment Relations at Queensland University of Technology Paula McDonald, and Major General (rtd) Gerard Fogarty.