More cops on the way

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By Victoria Stone-Meadows

The newest allocation of police officers to the Casey region is just around the corner, with the announcement of 31 new frontline officers for the Casey police service area.
The new officers are among the 300 new recruits promised in the 2016-’17 Victorian State Budget and will be deployed in growth areas across the state over the next 12 months.
The new police will begin to hit the streets next month, with the full 300 new officers being placed in the community by April next year.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the investment from the government had allowed the police force to grow and commit to areas most in need of police presence.
“Last year we welcomed record investments in police, and today we are announcing where the first cohort of our new frontline police are being deployed,” he said.
“These allocations will allow us to put more police out on patrol, responding where and when needed in the community.”
While the 300 new officers will make a difference to how police are able to respond to call-outs, Mr Ashton said it was just the beginning of a stronger Victoria Police.
“We have 2729 more police yet to be allocated across the state, plus 100 Protective Services Officers to help provide an even safer public transport network,” he said.
“The government is also funding an extensive equipment and IT program for police, and providing police with new powers and introducing new laws that we have asked for.”
“All of this will greatly enhance our ability to keep people safe across the state.”
The Police Association of Victoria welcomed the news, with secretary Sergeant Wayne Gatt praising the government’s commitment to community safety.
“The Police Association has for some time advocated the urgent recruitment and deployment of additional police to these areas. We’re pleased that extra boots are now starting to hit the ground,” 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.”
The announcement of new police officers comes on the same day the State Government has launched a new research centre to better understand serious violent and sexual crimes.
The State Government has attributed $1.6 million to the new Catalyst Consortium at Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn.
The centre will investigate the causes behind violent and sexual offending as well as understanding why perpetrators of these crimes tend to re-offend after they are prosecuted.
The new Catalyst Consortium will also look into the impacts of serious mental health issues in relation to the justice system and how this can be managed better.
Minister for Corrections Gayle Tierney said by understanding why people committed violent and sexual crimes, targeted programs could be developed to manage the risk of re-offending.
“By learning more about what causes repeat violent and sexual offending, we’ll be in a better position to reduce re-offending to improve community safety,” Ms Tierney said.
“Victoria is a world leader in the management of serious sex offenders and this global research hub will ensure we remain at the forefront of keeping our community safe.

Law and order budget
Other Community Safety Statement initiatives funded in the upcoming Victorian Budget for 2017-’18 include:
– A 24-hour Police Assistance Line
– Replacement of 10 police stations across the state
– Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology for highway patrol fleet
– A new Air Wing, including three new helicopters and a fixed wing plane