The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission has highlighted several incidents involving the specialist unit, including at Melbourne's Inflation Nightclub and arrests at a Fitzroy bookshop and in Epping.
The police watchdog identified instances of CIRT officers not accurately reporting their use of force, breaches of Victoria's charter of human rights, inadequate risk assessment and planning processes, and poor communication when responding to incidents.
"CIRT officers have repeatedly failed to accurately and comprehensively report their use of force," said the report, tabled in state parliament on Tuesday.
"This shortcoming is due in part to a lack of training and supervision and to the complexity of Victoria Police's reporting processes."
The specialist unit is responsible for supporting front-line officers in high-risk incidents like violent confrontations, sieges and searches for violent offenders.
Of the 185 positions within the unit, women accounted for 13 - or seven per cent - as of September last year.
Two of the unit's 36 supervisor roles (six per cent) are currently held by women, and there are no female inspectors or senior sergeants.
"CIRT leaders and Victoria Police's Professional Standards Command have acknowledged that the small proportion of female CIRT officers continues to be a problem," the report said.
IBAC has made six recommendations, including for Victoria Police to report within six months on how a new use-of-force database will improve accuracy and compliance.
The unit's leadership and make-up should be diversified within 12 months, it added.
Victoria Police has been contacted for comment.
