There is no doubt it has been a difficult few weeks for the police in Ballarat; the IBAC hearing has made for grim reading in the newspapers.

And whilst I am unable to comment directly on these proceedings whilst the investigations are continuing (to do so would be blatantly inappropriate and disrespectful to all parties involved), I am compelled to point out a number of assertions in the article published in The Sunday Age on May 29th which were ill-informed and do not represent contemporary policing in one of Victoria’s largest regional cities which now boasts over 100,000 people and is growing rapidly towards 120,000 over the next few years.

The fact is there is a tremendous bond between the city of Ballarat and its police. Our members are deeply proud to serve, and enjoy strong support from the community.

This is evidenced by the National Survey of Community Satisfaction with Policing which shows police in Ballarat enjoy a community confidence rating of 92.1%, five per cent higher than the state average.

That is not to say it’s an easy job. The challenges of policing our community are numerous.

Our growing population means increased calls for police services in the areas of crime, domestic violence, mental illness, public order and road policing to name just a few which are responded to 24 hours a day, 365 days every year.

It’s a tough, demanding job which we take very seriously, as we do our commitment to strong ethical performance. I continuously monitor and review all matters involving public concerns including when service delivery requires examination. 

Where corrective action is identified it is enacted through my leadership and management team.

On a personal note, I make no apologies for the observation made in The Sunday Age story that I have been known to turn up at crime scenes and help manage traffic when road accidents have occurred. Leading from the front is a key virtue for all police, and I will always support my members whenever and wherever I can.

I regularly receive positive feedback from other community leaders across Ballarat and other Local Government Areas I am responsible for, acknowledging the difficult and complex work police undertake. 

These are people who live and work in this area who, on a daily basis, see the police assisting those who need service and reassurance.

I believe the wider community understands the challenges police face in their roles and am confident the people of the greater Ballarat area support our efforts in reducing crime, domestic violence and road trauma across this most liveable and safe community.

Andrew Allen APM

Superintendent

Ballarat Police Division