The Andrews Labor Government’s record investment in Victoria Police will see an additional 396 frontline officers deployed to where they are needed most across the state over the next 12 months.

Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Danny Pearson joined Chief Commissioner Shane Patton today to announce the allocation as part of the Government’s ongoing work to protect communities.

From May 2021 to April 2022, 229 police officers will be deployed to stations across Victoria, while a further 167 will be dedicated to specialist roles such as family violence, road policing and state emergency support.

Recruits are currently progressing through rigorous training at the Police Academy, undertaking practical exercises and assessments with a strong focus on some of the biggest issues currently facing police – such as public order response at major events and protests, family violence and mental health.

This latest deployment completes the delivery of 3,135 new police officers since the massive recruitment boost kicked off in 2016, and will allow police to focus on supporting growing communities – ensuring they have the resources they need to efficiently respond to crime in their local area.

Frontline police are deployed across the state using the Staff Allocation Model (SAM), which was developed by Victoria Police in consultation with the Police Association of Victoria to match police with demand and population growth, and deliver the resources needed for high visibility and proactive policing.

SAM has been critical in assessing the impact of the 2019-20 bushfires and COVID-19 on police resourcing. It will also guide the changing operational environment in the CBD as people return to work and events recommence.

Since 2016, Community Safety Statements have set out the joint commitment between the Government and Victoria Police to deliver on the policy and community safety agenda for Victoria.

The 2017 statement featured the biggest investment in community safety in our state’s history, with funding for recruiting  and deploying a record number of police, rolling out new technology like bodyworn cameras and smart devices, development and implementation of the Police Assistance Line and new aerial capability .

The Community Safety Trustee, Mr Ron Iddles OAM APM, was appointed in 2017 to report on the implementation of Community Safety Statement reforms and provide expert advice on community safety and the delivery of key parts of the Government’s reforms and record investment.

The Trustee has today published his final report commending the efforts of both Victoria Police and the Department of Justice and Community Safety progressing the implementation of the Government’s record investment in Community Safety Statement initiatives since 2017.