Police presence increased as 30 new officers come to the region

Since July, 26 frontline Constables have started in Stawell, Halls Gap and St Arnaud, as well as Horsham, Dimboola, Edenhope, Kaniva, Nhill, Hopetown, Murtoa and Warracknabeal, while four new Sergeants have commenced at Horsham.

In addition, two criminal investigators are also slated to start in the next few months and will work across the whole division.

This mark the most significant investment in regional policing in Victoria Police's 167-year history.

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Superintendent Ian Milner said the new resources had already provided a substantial boost to policing efforts across the local community.

"The (Western Region) area covers over 40,000 square kilometres and comprises six local government areas," Superintendent Milner said.

"These additional resources allow for dedicated tasking and operations targeting crimes that are having the most impact on our community.

"Already we have a more visible police presence which allows us to respond to crime in a timely manner.

Superintendent Ian said the increase in staffing numbers allows for more proactive solutions, such as constables patrol the CBD on foot.

In 2019, four family violence detectives and one criminal investigator joined the region, reiterating the police force's focus on family violence.

"During this pandemic we have seen an increase in family violence-related offending," Superintendent Milner said.

"We are deliberately focused on those who contribute."

Superintendent Milner added serious offending, such as assaults and aggravated burglaries, as well as drug offences, will remain a focus.

"The community can expect to see more police out and about, providing a more regular and visible presence, whether it be as part of foot patrols of central business districts or road policing operations aimed at keeping our roads safe," Superintendent Milner concluded.

The new police are funded as part of the State Government's Community Safety Statement, which is responsible for the deployment of 2729 new officers across the state between 2018 and 2022.

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