Victoria Police is highly likely to ask the state government for more frontline members in coming months after senior command conceded police stations in growth suburbs were “stretched”.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told radio station 3AW last week it was a “foregone conclusion” that more police were needed, and talks with the state government about funding extra police were “highly likely” in the coming months.
Mr Ashton said police command and the Police Association were currently discussing a new staff deployment model.
“We’re working in relation to deploying this current lot [of recruits] and working out then where the demand is for further [police],” he said. “And that’s going to drive our decision-making about talking to the government.”
However, Police Association secretary Ron Iddles said that while a model that helped identify the number of police needed was imperative, many more officers were required “right away” to meet shortfalls.
“A deployment model is a great plan for the future, but police need help today,” Mr Iddles said. “As the chief commissioner indicated [last week], it’s inevitable that we will need more, given that it takes years to recruit and train police officers. Victoria Police should not wait a day longer to accept the need is real and ask the government to make good its pledge to provide the additional support.”
The state government announced funding for 300 frontline police in the recent state budget, but more than 1800 are needed across the state to keep up with population, according to the union.
Mr Iddles said it was “not surprising” senior command had conceded it needed more police because crime had increased, community safety perceptions had decreased, and police services had been reduced.
The state government has indicated it will provide the resources and powers Mr Ashton needs. Police Minister Lisa Neville said funding for the requests will be announced in next year’s budget.
“I meet regularly with both Chief Commissioner Ashton and the secretary of the Police Association, Ron Iddles,” Ms Neville said. “They have both indicated they’re working together on the deployment model and are keeping me informed of those discussions.
“As the Premier has clearly said, we will continue to provide police the resources and powers they need to fight crime and keep Victorians safe.”
Police taskforce Operation Regnant was set up to conduct nightly patrols in Melton, Brimbank and across the west to tackle an increase in crime. Since its inception two months ago, about 400 people have been arrested for offences including theft of cars, theft from cars and breaches of public order.
