Police may merge CIU

By Sarah Schwager and Shaun Inguanzo
DETECTIVES from Cranbourne and Narre Warren Police Criminal Investigation Units (CIU) could be merged into a Casey ‘superunit’ if a similar move in a neighbouring city is successful.
But Cranbourne detectives are not happy about the possibility of moving to Narre Warren.
They say it would not suit any of them to move and would be extremely detrimental for the Cranbourne area.
Victoria Police merged the Springvale and Dandenong CIUs late last year and based the new Greater Dandenong CIU at Dandenong Police Station.
The move has not only cut administration costs, but has allowed detectives to liaise directly with one another while combating crime across the city.
Senior police officers such as Region Five Assistant Commissioner Paul Evans have so far praised the combined unit, which first came together in December.
The News this week heard from various sources that Victoria Police is considering merging Cranbourne and Narre Warren CIUs and basing the new team at Narre Warren Police Station.
Mr Evans said he was unaware of plans for a Casey CIU, but did not rule out the possibility.
He said the Greater Dandenong unit’s success could pave the way for any future developments.
“At the end of the day it doesn’t matter where detectives hang their belts at night, but what matters is that they are working and are out in the field,” Mr Evans said.
“We very well might look at it depending on how successful we see the merger in Greater Dandenong.”
Casey police service area manager Inspector Robert Hill confirmed he was exploring different options of managing CIUs in the area, but no decision about a merger had been made.
“Yes, I am reviewing it. I am continually reviewing how we conduct our business in an effort to improve service delivery,” he said.
“It is evidence-based.
“If there is evidence that the community would be better serviced by amalgamating Cranbourne and Narre Warren CIUs then we would pursue that option.
“Of course, the review will entail extensive internal and external consultation and any decision to amalgamate will require endorsement by regional command.”
When asked if merging CIUs was a long-term strategy for Victoria Police, Mr Evans said it could be the case with some smaller CIUs, referring to the now-merged Springvale.
The former Springvale CIU had 14 members, he said.
Police statistics show that Cranbourne CIU has 11 members, while Narre Warren CIU has 13.
Mr Evans stressed that no discussions had taken place regarding a merger, and if they did, detectives in the City of Casey would be involved.
“Before we would do anything, obviously we would consult the members,” he said.
“That’s what we did with the Greater Dandenong CIU.
“Our detectives are highly trained and hugely professional, I’ve got a huge amount of respect for them.”
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Garry Kear at Narre Warren CIU said nothing had been confirmed about merging the units.
“I believe they are looking at the possibility of it and seeing whether it would be a workable option but there has been nothing official,” he said.
Det Acting Sen Sgt Kear said merging the CIUs would be a shuffle, as space would have to be found at Narre Warren to accommodate the bigger unit.
In the case of the Greater Dandenong CIU merge, the Greater Dandenong Traffic Management Unit was moved to Springvale to make space for Springvale detectives at Dandenong.