The ‘significant shift’ in how police operate in Victoria

Victoria Police has undergone a “significant shift” with the adoption of a back to basics policing approach.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton says he first floated the idea when he came into the top job two years ago, but due to COVID-19, it’s only just been rolled out statewide.

He says the “grassroots” neighbourhood policing approach means the needs of Victorians will be addressed on a community level.

“All of our 54 police service areas under this neighbourhood policing model will be back to that grassroots approach and that means we’ll have local safety committees, we’ll engage with those members of the community who have complex issues, we’ll work with them and keep a register of issues, of concerns from people,” Mr Patton told Neil Mitchell.

“Often communities who know the problems, they also know the solutions to the problems.

“It’s not rocket science but it’s listening tot he community. It mightn’t be all about crime, it might be about quality of life and amenity issues and where we can assist we will.”

The new approach has been used to target illegal beach parties in Black Rock, monkey bikes in Frankston and train station robberies in Clayton.

“For me it’s really important to make sure we have in place a model so that everyone understands how they can engage with us, that we want them to engage with us, that we will listen and be responsive,” Mr Patton said.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the new approach