The policing union is calling for extra police to be deployed to the Ballarat region to help “swamped” police deal with a crime surge.
The policing minister Lisa Neville, who will be in Ballarat today to officially open Ballarat West Police Station, has promised to fast track the deployment of 406 new police announced in the budget by running the police academy at capacity.
A Police Association survey of Senior Sergeants called for an immediate boost in front-line police.
“(The survey shows) that population growth has outstripped our ability to meet calls for assistance in a timely way and as a result, inadequate first-response police numbers are placing the community and our members at risk,” Association secretary Ron Iddles said.
“This response from government is one that finally recognises we are in the midst of a critical resource crisis.
“However, `short-term’ commitments like this are not sufficient to fix the problem.”
The government claims this increase, coupled with the roll-out of extra police custody officers, will ensure police have the resources they need to curb the state’s increasing crime.
“This decision to bring forward recruitment of 406 additional officers will see the Victoria Police Academy running at capacity,” Ms Neville said.
“We will continue to give the Chief Commissioner the resources and the powers he needs to fight crime and keep Victorians safe.”
Where these police will be deployed has not yet been determined.
Ballarat police Superintendent Andrew Allen has previously said he remains confident with the number of police in the Ballarat police service area.
More to come.
Olivia Shying
Police and emergency services reporter.
Police and emergency services reporter.
