- Published:
- Wednesday 29 June 2016 at 3:00 pm
Police Minister Lisa Neville has commended police officers at Morwell Police Station for their dedication to tackling crime, protecting the community and dealing with issues including the scourge of ice.
Visiting the station today, Ms Neville said the Andrews Labor Government’s recent investments in police would ensure Latrobe Valley communities are well-resourced.
Police Custody Officers (PCOs) are now on duty in Morwell, allowing more police to return to the front line to fight crime and keep the community safe.
The custody officers are responsible for guarding and managing prisoners in police cells, supervision and transport of persons in custody as well as administrative duties to support police.
More custody officers will start at Morwell in the coming months.
The Labor Government has invested $148.6 million to recruit, train and deploy 400 custody officers at 22 police stations, with the rollout to be complete by the end of 2017. Police have already recruited 200 officers.
A $596 million Public Safety Package announced in the Victorian Budget also delivers 406 new police, mobile technology and specialist equipment.
Nearby Churchill, Moe and Warragul police stations will also be refurbished as part of the Government’s $36.8 million regional police package. This will ensure our regional police are working in modern facilities.
Since November 2014, the Government has funded 1156 police personnel across a number of squads and units including Counter Terrorism Command, the Special Operations Group, anti-gang and illicit trafficking teams.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“We face a number of law and order challenges across Victoria – including family violence and the scourge of ice – and that’s why we’re investing in a modern police force.”
“A strong regional police response is critical to community safety, and Police Custody Officers are helping local police get back on the beat and deal with the crime trends in their local area.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"Having custody officers stationed in the Latrobe Valley means that police will spend more time out in the community where they're needed.”