Cop shop support unclear
Opposition yet to get police and union backing for $7.2 million plan
OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Guy’s election pledge to permanently place police in Westfield Geelong is yet to get official public backing from the police union or force.
If elected, a Victorian Liberal National Government has pledged to spend $7.2 million on the creation of Victoria Police shopfronts in a dozen of the state’s biggest and busiest shopping centres.
But the Victoria Police Act stipulates the Police Minister must not become involved in the allocation or deployment of police officers or protective services officers. The Geelong Advertiser understands the Government provides funding for police resources and the allocation of those resources is determined by the Chief Commissioner based on operational priorities.
When asked by the Addy if the Chief Commissioner supported the Opposition’s shopfront push a Victoria Police spokeswoman said: “Victoria Police is constantly exploring new opportunities and ways to deliver efficient customer service, and we may introduce these concepts in areas where there is an identified need.”
The spokeswoman would not say if a Geelong shopfront was supported.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said the Opposition had “no say” over where resources were placed and said the Gov- ernment was giving the Chief Commissioner the resources and powers needed to keep public spaces safe.
“Police actively patrol the mall in Geelong and SafeCity CTV is constantly monitored by police — this had a huge impact on perceptions of public safety and helps deter the likelihood of criminal incidents, theft and burglary,” Ms Neville said.
“We work closely with Victoria Police and the Police Association to ensure we’re investing in the best use of police resources.
“The Opposition have no say over where resources are placed.”
The Police Association would also not say if the Opposition policy was actively supported by the union. Secretary Wayne Gatt said the union believed police needed a highly visible but mobile presence at shopping centres and railway stations.
“It is important that police or PSOs allocated to this work are recruited over and above those already operating in the Geelong community who are presently confronting significant workloads and resource challenges owing to ever-increasing demand and growth,” Mr Gatt said.
“Police and PSOs also need a degree of mobility at loca- tions to ensure they have the capacity to patrol and target problem behaviour.”
But Opposition police spokesman Edward O’Donohue said extensive consultation with Victoria Police and the police union had identified support of the election pledge.
“A Matthew Guy Liberal Nationals Government will establish 12 Victoria Police shopfronts in the largest and busiest shopping and entertainment hubs across Victoria, including Westfield Geelong, following extensive consultation with Victoria Police, the Police Association, shopping centre operators and the community,” Mr O’Donohue said.