By Olivia Condous
Melton police are encouraging residents to engage with a new statewide initiative for communities to provide feedback on the issues that matter most to them.
The new Neighbourhood Policing model has been implemented throughout Victoria over the past year and seeks to engage police with local communities to strengthen relationships.
Melton Police community engagement officer Joanne Mutsaerts said the initiative was about getting back to the basics of police work and listening to the community.
“It’s a chance for the community on a whole to have to have that voice, to feel like they’re going to be heard and have those problems addressed,” Ms Mutsaerts said.
As a part of the new initiative, local police will work with local councils, schools and other groups to form a partnership when addressing community concerns while also implementing changes independently.
“It’s really important to address that every community’s needs are not going to be the same across the state and there’s no point in us listing what the community needs, we need to hear from the community,” Ms Mutsaerts said.
Melton police urged residents to engage with the initiative and provide feedback by filling out an online Community Sentiment survey.
To participate and learn more, visit engage.vic.gov.au/annual-vicpol-community-sentiment-survey-2022.
