- Published:
- Sunday 14 July 2019
Victoria has more police on the beat than ever before thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s record police investment, with more than 2,144 additional officers employed today compared to November 2014.
There are now 15,295 full time equivalent police officers employed across Victoria, according to the latest police employment figures released today.
This represents a 16 percent increase in police over the past four-and-a-half years, with regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne all seeing a boost to police resources.
All police regions and divisions have seen an increase in police FTE numbers since November 2014. The Police Academy is full, with nearly 100 new police officers graduating and hitting the streets every month.
The Labor Government’s record police investment is delivering 3,135 new police – on top of attrition – as well as new crime fighting technology, intelligence systems and the new Police Assistance Line to help the community better access police services.
The Chief Commissioner is deploying these new crime fighters when and where they are needed the most, using a sophisticated staffing allocation model.
More than 1,200 new frontline officers have already hit the beat, with another 700 police to be rolled out by the middle of next year. This includes the deployment of the remaining 415 family violence specialist and parental leave positions and specialists command positions.
The new FTE figures show an increasing number of additional police being deployed to regional and rural areas. An extra 319 police officers have already been allocated and deployed to communities like Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Horsham, Mildura, Sale, Latrobe Valley.
This investment is making a difference to communities across Victoria, with the latest Crime Statistics Agency figures showing the victimisation rate is the lowest in 15 years.
The Labor Government’s third Community Safety Statement, released earlier this month, continues to strengthen the police force by increasing the presence of frontline police, while targeting significant issues including family violence, road safety and illicit drugs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville
“Melbourne and regional Victoria are seeing more police on the beat in our communities and in specialist roles to support a safer community.”
“We have delivered a record $3 billion funding boost for police to ensure they have the resources, powers and technology they need to keep the community safe and prevent harm.”
“We know there’s more work to be done, which is why our latest Community Safety Statement is driving a stronger frontline police presence, delivering new laws, and funding to crack down on speeding and dangerous driving.”