Vic police admit to informant shortfalls

Victoria Police admits to shortfalls in the way it managed informers after a long-running inquiry found negligence of a high order.

An anti-corruption inquiry wrapped up on Tuesday with a report by former Supreme Court Justice Murray Kellam, QC, issuing scathing remarks about the force's conduct.

Acting Chief Commissioner Tim Cartwright admitted shortfalls but said the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission inquiry covered a period until 2009 and that changes had been made since then.

"We didn't always follow the best practice and it was important that lessons were learnt. And they have been," he told reporters.

Mr Kellam said police failed to act in accordance with appropriate policies and guidelines, potentially adversely affecting the administration of justice.

But he did not find any unlawful behaviour had occurred.

Mr Kellam's confidential report contains 16 recommendations that have been given to Mr Cartwright, who believes the crux of the recommendations have already been implemented.

One recommendation calls for police to give the report to the Director of Public Prosecutions, to determine whether the matters divulged in it led to any adverse prosecutions.

Mr Cartwright said police had been consulting with the DPP at a state level for two years, and at a federal level more recently.

"There is no evidence at this stage of any threat to any conviction or any evidence of mistrial," he said.

"We will continue to work with that and if any evidence comes to light we'll certainly be talking to the DPP."

Premier Daniel Andrews said the government would oversee the implementation of the recommendations.

"We owe that to every Victorian, to learn where things have gone wrong and make sure they're better for the future," he said.

The report will not be publicly released for fears it could reveal internal police details and jeopardise the safety of informants as well as breach a Supreme Court injunction.

The inquiry ran from July 2014, with more than 5500 documents examined and 14 witnesses giving sworn evidence.