Police custody officers to patrol Hargreaves Mall in Coalition plan

The Coalition will convert 400 custody officers across the state to protective services officers, including those stationed in Bendigo, if elected on Saturday.

It is part of a $30.7 million, four-year plan to free up resources to get more police onto the front line.

When police cells are quiet the officers will be able to provide other duties in consultation with police command and the Police Association of Victoria.

Plans could also see PSOs staffing station front counters when not on custody duties. The coalition believes this would free up police officers for increased patrols and other front line duties.

The coalition expects many custody officers will want to switch to the new positions. Those who do not will be given opportunities with Corrections Victoria or other “appropriate roles”.

If custody officers make the switch they will be in line for a higher salary, with the Coalition expecting to pay an extra $30.7 over four years to fund the policy.

State member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan described the promise as “desperate”.

“This is nothing more than a last minute desperate attempt from the Liberals – who have shown that they have no real plan for the people of Bendigo,” she said.

“The Liberals can promise whatever they like – but Victorians remember when last in government they cut $100 million from Victoria Police, sacked 350 support staff and didn’t fund a single extra police officer.

“Whether it’s schools, hospitals, road or rail – only Labor has a plan for Bendigo.”

Earlier

Custody officers would be used as protective services officers in the Hargreaves Mall in a Coalition plan to make the precinct safer.

The Victoria Police officers at the Bendigo station would perform the duties when they were free, Liberal candidate for Bendigo East Ian Ellis said.

It was something he had been pushing for since he started his campaign.

“We have issues in the Mall and I think a visible presence of a uniform will deter some of the inappropriate behaviour,” he said.

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“It is intimidating for a lot of people and not very family friendly.”

He hoped it would help rectify some of the issues in the Mall with empty shops.

Recent legislative changes have meant PSOs can also be deployed to Bendigo’s bus hubs when resources permit.

The Opposition earlier this year pledged to introduce PSOs in Ballarat’s shopping strip and transport hubs in Geelong and Traralgon if elected and said it was examining similar options for Bendigo.

Bendigo police station has 21 custody officers, the last of which were added in February.

More to come.

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