Police Association secretary Senior Sergeant Greg Davies described the action as a "very unusual step'', saying officers had given up their days off and lunch breaks to take part in the show of strength.

He said it was the first time in recent history police had taken such action anywhere in Victoria and the move highlighted the dire situation Ballarat police found themselves in due to under-resourcing.

Mr Davies and local union delegates met with Mr Howard at his office as police congregated on the footpath outside.

"Mr Howard has assured us ... it's his view we can certainly do with more police in Ballarat and has assured us he will take that message back to the Premier, the treasurer and the minister for police and emergency services and

to support our call for more police to be allocated right across Victoria and specifically here in Ballarat,'' Sen Sgt Davies said.

"This has been a very civilised, very quiet walk up the street to their local member's office and that's all it's been but underneath that they are furious, they are seething and are slowly being worked to death.''

Sen Sgt Davies said he hoped to meet with Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland to discuss the matter as soon as possible.

"I am certainly hoping to meet with the chief commissioner as a matter of urgency,'' he said.

"We will try and see if we can address the problem in the short term until the long-term issue is rectified.''

The Police Association claims 98 extra operational police are required in Ballarat but said in the short term, 20 to 25 more officers would help alleviate the pressure on officers.

Mr Howard said he would convey the message of Ballarat police to Police and Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron directly but continued to maintain the city was not under-resourced.

"I think they are well resourced at the moment but more police would help,'' he said.

"Certainly I think people can feel safe in Ballarat but there's always more that can be done.''

Liberal candidate for Ballarat West Craig Coltman said Mr Howard was out of touch with the community.

"To insult the public by saying we do not have major issues with policing in this state is naive and bordering on insulting," he said.