By ALANA MITCHELSON
NEW Protective Services Officers were deployed to Officer train station this week, bringing their patrol to a total of 203 stations across Melbourne.
Acting Transit Safety Division Superintendent Campbell Mill said Officer would have at least two PSOs patrolling the train platform, car parks and surrounding areas from 6pm until the last train each night.
“PSOs make a significant contribution to Victoria Police and to the Victorian community,” Mr Mill said.
“They work hard to ensure we have a public transport system that commuters can feel safe using.”
Since their introduction in February 2012, PSOs have reduced serious crime on the railway network, including assaults, and have detected more property damage and graffiti offences, he said.
“They (PSOs) have contributed to a reduction in robberies, and identified and arrested hundreds of offenders that are of interest to police.”
Since their introduction, PSOs have issued more than 57,000 infringement notices for a range of offences including possessing an open container of alcohol, drunk in a public place and anti-social behaviour.
This includes more than 3000 notices for alcohol-related offences and 40,000 transport offences such as conduct affecting safety.
