A world-class Victoria Police training facility is giving officers the specialist skills they need to protect Victorians, deal with hostile situations and keep pace with emerging threats in our community.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville today joined the Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton on a special tour of the purpose-built Operational Tactics and Safety Training (OTST) facility in Craigieburn to see the real-life scenario simulator used during training.
Opened last year, the $30 million complex provides critical response training for police and puts them into a range of simulated life-and-death situations.
Ms Neville was shown an active shooter scenario in the new 300-degree virtual reality simulator – a realistic environment which provides training in negotiations and tactical response.
All new and existing police officers complete OTST training twice a year to maintain their skills in conflict resolution, defensive tactics and arrest scenarios.
The Craigieburn facility includes two indoor firing ranges, a physical training area and the scenario village – a purpose-built mock village offering real-life scenario training.
The Andrews Labor Government is working closely with the Chief Commissioner to bolster a police force for the future to fight crime and keep the Victorian community safe.
The $596 million Public Safety Package announced in the Victorian Budget 2016/17 will fund an extra 406 sworn police officers, mobile technology and intelligence systems, specialist equipment and infrastructure upgrades.
Of the new officers, 300 police will be deployed to Melbourne’s growth corridors to respond to local crime issues and the increased demand for police.
The Victoria Police Academy will continue to be a hive of activity – with 1000 new police, Protective Services Officers and Police Custody Officers to be recruited and trained over the next 12 months.
Since November 2014, the Labor Government has funded 1156 police personnel.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“Police officers are always prepared for the challenges of the job – and this world-class facility is giving them the most realistic training available.”
“Officers are often thrown into life and death situations. This is about giving police the necessary skills and operational knowledge to deal with the most difficult scenarios to protect Victorians and themselves.”
“Make no mistake – policing is a tough and often unpredictable job – and this sort of training is invaluable.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020