By Laura Michell
Three more police officers will be added to stations in Whittlesea as part of a state government plan to recruit, train and deploy 3000 extra officers by April 2022.
Whittlesea’s three additional officers are part of 788 police who will be deployed across the state over 12 months from May.
The Diamond Creek police division, which takes in Whittlesea, Banyule, Nillumbik and Darebin, will also receive two shared divisional officers and two divisional highway patrol members.
No new officers have been allocated to Hume.
Victoria Police said several factors were taken into consideration when allocating resources, such as calls for assistance, reported crime, event management and traffic incidents, and the time required to provide these services.
Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said the additional officers would help tackle key issues facing police.
“It also means more police on the beat than ever before, who will be working around the clock to protect the community, prevent crime and hold offenders to account,” he said.
“Our unwavering focus remains on tackling high harm offending which can often have traumatic and life-changing consequences for victims.
“The extra resources will also give police more time to focus on reducing crime that causes widespread harm across the community, such as drugs related offences.”
Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said the new allocation of officers also included 208 police who will go into specialist roles such as family violence, road policing, state emergency support.
She said 41 officers would take up new crime command role to help detect, disrupt and prevent serious crimes including homicide, organised, gun and/or gang crime, while 13 officers will be added to the counter terrorism command.
“We’re investing in more police than ever before on the streets in Melbourne and across regional areas, in frontline duties and specialised roles to keep Victorians safe,” Ms Neville said.
“This is about ensuring we have the most responsive, agile and well-equipped police force to drive down crime for a growing population.”
