More police on beat as state tackles crime crisis

The Victorian state government has pledged to increase the number of police officers on the streets in response to a crime crisis. Premier Ben Carroll announced that 1,500 additional police would be deployed to the frontline. This commitment ensures that Victoria will have at least 1,500 new officers patrolling the streets, regardless of which party wins the upcoming November state election.

Carroll also revealed plans to build a new police training facility in the state's west, specifically in Wyndham. The new academy will open alongside the existing one in Glen Waverley, aiming to make police training more accessible to recruits across Melbourne. The premier emphasized that making recruits available to the force sooner is crucial for addressing the police shortage in Victoria.

Since the Covid pandemic, police numbers in the state have been declining, with vacancies peaking at 1,500 jobs. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush has previously expressed a desire to return police force numbers above 17,000. The new police station and enhanced training facility are seen as steps towards achieving this goal.

The Victorian Liberals and Nationals had previously pledged in April to return the state's police force to full strength, promising an additional 3,000 officers if they win the 2026 election. Coalition leader Jess Wilson stated that her government would reopen more than 40 police stations that have been closed or reduced in hours.

Police union boss Wayne Gatt welcomed the proposed plan to reduce bottlenecks and get recruits on the frontline more efficiently. Gatt highlighted the need for a second academy site, given the influx of recruits awaiting training at the current location in Glen Waverley. He underscored the importance of having police officers deployed closer to where they live and work, enabling a more efficient response to crime.

Opposition spokesperson Brad Battin criticized Carroll for closing four new police stations since becoming premier. Battin accused the premier of making empty promises before an election, calling for a commitment to hire 3,000 additional police officers in Victoria.