Responding to comments from Ballarat Detective Sergeant Kevin Carson, who said local police had interpreted Mr Overland's remarks about the rise in crime in the city as them being "lazy" and "not up to it", Mr Overland said the interpretation was incorrect.

"I did not say - and I do not believe - that police in Ballarat are lazy," Mr Overland said.

"I support police working in the Ballarat area and genuinely appreciate the work they do to keep the community safe. They are dedicated, hard working and committed to serving the local community.

"A drop in crimes against the person is reflective of their efforts.

"As Chief Commissioner I am however concerned by any increases in the crime rate and I make no apologies for that. It is my job to make sure that management stay on top of these issues and address them."

Mr Overland also sought to clarify the report in The Courier on Saturday that Ballarat police would be called to Melbourne to explain the rise in crime.

"I would like to correct the record. I did not suggest that local police would be 'summoned to Melbourne'," he said.

"I told The Courier that I had asked Deputy Commissioner (Crime), Sir Ken Jones to visit the area and work with your local management to look at ways of addressing the rising trends.

"Where the confusion may have come from is that I also indicated that your PSA, along with a number of others would be heading to Melbourne shortly to have discussions with Deputy Commissioner (Road Policing), Ken Lay about ways of continuing to reduce the road toll."