By Helena Adeloju
Pakenham has missed out on the first allocation of frontline police officers promised by the Andrews Government, with Casey and Dandenong seen as higher priorities.
The first 300 police, funded in last year’s budget, will hit the streets from next month in areas that Victoria Police identified as having the greatest need.
Premier Daniel Andrews was quick to reassure Victorians that areas that missed out on this allocation had not be forgotten, with approximately 3000 more police to be allocated to regions across Victoria over the next five years.
“The first 300 of more than 3000 new police officers will be out on the frontline soon where we need them most, keeping Victorians safe,” he said.
He also said that an historic $2 billion would be provided in the Victorian Budget 2017-’18 for more police and other Community Safety Statement initiatives.
Some of the 50 additional police allocated to the south-eastern region will work out of Casey and Dandenong.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville echoed the Premier’s reassurances that more police are coming soon.
“The rollout of 300 new police is just the start of the biggest boost of police resources in the state’s history,” she said.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said Victoria Police we are absolutely focused on building a strong, more capable, agile and responsive police force that has the resources it needs to keep Victorians safe.
“These allocations will allow us to put more police out on patrol, responding where and when needed in the community,” he said.
“While these extra police will greatly strengthen local police responses in those areas selected, it’s important to stress that this is just the start.
He said there were 2729 more police yet to be allocated across the state, plus 100 Protective Services Officers to help provide an even safer public transport network.
The Police Association Victoria Secretary Wayne Gatt welcomed the Premier’s announcement but said police across the state are “stretched” and need more support.
“We welcome today’s announcement as a positive step in the right direction,” he said.
“There’s much more to do to ensure that all areas across the state are properly resourced and that all our members are able to meet the demands of the communities they serve without being overburdened.”
Police Association Victoria spokesperson Sandro Lofaro added that they would continue to push for more police in the Pakenham area.
“Figures show that Pakenham is short, but the best we could do for the south east was Casey and Dandenong.”
The timeline for Pakenham’s allocation of additional police is still unknown.
