Residents in Greater Dandenong will have a new forum to engage with police and discuss local crime issues and policing priorities, an initiative funded under the Andrews Labor Government’s Community Safety Statement.
Greater Dandenong is one of 12 communities where a Community Safety Network is being established, giving residents a greater voice in Victoria Police’s ongoing efforts to combat crime.
Each community will receive up to $50,000 to deliver local crime prevention initiatives through the networks, guided by community feedback.
Up to $25,000 is also available for each site to support Victoria Police led community engagement.
Over the next two months, local police will be out in the community talking to residents, business owners and commuters to get their feedback on key safety issues.
The networks are a great opportunity for residents to receive accurate information and resources about local crime trends and safety issues, including crime prevention advice.
Thousands of people have already contributed to the first six Community Safety Networks: Wyndham, Melton, Whittlesea, Cardinia, Latrobe and Ballarat – which began last year.
The second group of these meetings started last month and includes: Brimbank, Frankston, Knox, Shepparton and Geelong, alongside Greater Dandenong.
The Labor Government is committed to helping local communities better engage with police as part of its record investment. The $2 billion investment will fund the biggest recruitment drive in Victoria Police’s history – it will see more police on the street, more proactive patrols and more resources to address crime.
An extra 3,135 new police are being recruited, trained and deployed over the next few years as part of this investment. These include 50 new frontline and specialist police already on the beat in the Dandenong Division, with 46 more to be deployed by the middle of next year.
People in Greater Dandenong have the opportunity to be involved in the project and can have their say now at /communitysafetynetworks/greaterdandenong-community-safety-network.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“As part of the Community Safety Network, Dandenong police will be out in the community seeking feedback from residents on the issues that affect them most, providing valuable insights into how to work together to tackle crime in the area.”
“These networks are delivering on our promise to help local communities better engage with police as part of our work to respond to crime and reduce harm.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
“The Greater Dandenong Community Safety Network will help police to increase their understanding of local crime issues and help inform local policing priorities.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020