By Casey Neill
Extra police are on their way to Greater Dandenong.
Victoria Police and the State Government announced on Thursday 27 April that 50 officers were headed for the region from next month.
There’ll be 10 for Greater Dandenong, eight to the local CIU, one to divisional crime scene services and 31 to neighbouring Casey.
These officers are among the first 300 of 3135 frontline police being deployed over the next five years.
They’ve been allocated using a new Victoria Police model that identified the areas of greatest need.
Police Association secretary Sergeant Wayne Gatt said the deployment would have a positive impact on the ability of police to prevent and reduce crime.
“The Police Association has for some time advocated the urgent recruitment and deployment of additional police to these areas,” he said.
“We also acknowledge the level of consultation that’s taken place with the Police Association by government and Victoria Police in determining where the first 300 officers would be allocated.
“This shows a willingness to listen to what police on the ground are saying about where they are most stretched.”
Mr Gatt said the announcement marked the start of a long-term commitment to bring police resources back to levels where members could make real inroads in combating the ice epidemic, family violence and violent crime.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the allocations would put more police out on patrol to respond where and when needed.
“These extra police will greatly strengthen local police responses in those areas selected,” he said.
“It’s important to stress that this is just the start.
“We have 2729 more police yet to be allocated across the state.”
Mr Ashton said Victorians would start to see the extra police in their communities from next month, with all 300 to be rolled out by April next year.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the boost was on top of regular attrition.
“The police academy is full and there are a thousand new recruits to come through these doors this year,” he said.
