A group of young African and Afghan men are taking Federal Court action against Victorian police officers, accusing them of racism.

The police are alleged to have racially taunted, abused and assaulted people at Flemington, Kensington and North Melbourne.

The group has laucnhed the action against seven police officers and the Chief Commissioner, Simon Overland.

Lawyer Peter Seidel says the claims are serious.

"We allege that the police named in the statement of claim have carried out various assaults in public places," he said.

"[It's alleged the officers] used excessive force, engaged in unjustifiable searches, unlawfully seized and retained persons' property, misused their power, and routinely engaged in racial taunts and abuse."

The Police Chief Commissioner, Simon Overland says the claims will be defended.

"Obviously the allegations that have been made are serious and of concern, we will be defending them" he said.

"I have no tolerance, no truck with racism in the organisation.

"If any of these allegations were found to be true I would regard them extremely seriously, but at the moment my advice is we refute the claims, we will be defending the claims."