The Courier reveals today that the officer in charge of Ballarat Police Station, Sen Sgt Peter McCormick has been forced to do court duty when no other officers have been available.

Victoria Police say it was "exceptional circumstances'' that led to Sen Sgt McCormick's appearance in court. The Courier understands, however, that it is not the first time senior officers have been used for court duties.

We do not suggest that a police presence in court is not desirable. We are arguing, however, that Ballarat needs its most experienced police officers on the streets, not standing outside a court room.

The Police Association argues that Ballarat needs an additional 98 officers. The Victoria Police says the number is not that high.

Whatever the case, it is impossible to argue that Ballarat does not deserve more police. And it is about time someone committed to delivering them.

This is not an attack on the hard-working men and women who make up the police force in Ballarat.

Nor is it a slur on the local police hierarchy, who must ensure law and order within the confines of the resources allocated to them.

Fixing the resource problems that exist in Ballarat is the responsibility of the State Government.

While our local members make much of what the Brumby Government has done for policing across Victoria, we are yet to get a satisfactory response as to why Ballarat remains under-resourced in its policing capabilities.

Law and order will be a big issue in the November state election.

This newspaper's Had Enough? campaign has shown just how strong community sentiment is on the issue.

The Labor Party would be well aware that a wise Opposition will make much of the issue in the lead-up to November.

Ballarat does not have enough police to provide the law-and-order service it deserves.

The State Government needs to fix that sooner rather than later.