Police protest rally

By Kelly Yates
DANDENONG and Springvale police have protested against what they say is the falling number of police and lack of resources during this week’s rally at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
They met union representatives at Dandenong police station on Monday over what they say is a chronic lack of police resources.
The Police Association says its figures, released this week, show that Springvale Police Station’s operational manpower is down 33 per cent.
And the association says nearby Dandenong has seen a reduction of 24 per cent.
However, Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Superintendent Gavin Barry said the number of police in Dandenong had remained consistent for several years.
He said there were no shortages of police officers or resources.
“At any time, about 15 per cent of police are on recreational leave, unplanned leave, such as sick leave, or maternity leave or allocated to local task forces out of the police station undertaking various assignments,” he said.
He said the unions were not counting those police on operation police duties.
“It’s not as if they have disappeared,” he said.
On Tuesday thousands of police from across Victoria including 120 police from Dandenong and Springvale attended the rally and marched to the steps of Parliament House.
Supt Barry said about 80 people departed for the march from Dandenong.
The Police Association said it received a number of apologies from members who were on duty yesterday and unable to attend.
Police Association legal manager Senior Sergeant Greg Davies said the rally had been called in response to overwhelming feedback from members who were frustrated and disillusioned over a number of issues, especially the critical lack of police resources.
“Members are at breaking point. There are just not enough resources to get the job done,” he said.
“Members are stretched to the absolute limit and the community is telling us that they no longer feel safe.”
He said the local community needed police back on the streets immediately.
“The Chief Commissioner must conduct an audit to find our missing members and commit to returning them to the front line,” Sen Sgt Davies said.
“Instead of committing to community safety, the Chief Commissioner, in partnership with the State Government, is, in fact, making it harder for police to be police.”
“Police are sick of being treated like second-class citizens.
“Members rallied to say enough is enough and demand action on resources and the preservation of their rights,” Sen Sgt Davies said.
Supt Barry said that all members went to the rally in their own time and said they were entitled to do so.