87151 Picture: VANESSA VALENZUELA
By VANESSA VALENZUELA
PROTECTIVE Service Officers (PSOs) patrolled Werribee train station for the first time last week.
Police accompanied the four armed officers who were welcomed by commuters when they arrived in Werribee and Laverton on Tuesday.
A squad of 15 new PSOs will rotate between Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Laverton train stations with least two officers patrolling the station after 6pm each night until the last train arrives.
The officers will begin their first patrol of Hoppers Crossing railway station this week.
Victoria Police Transit Safety Division Senior Sergeant Wayne Cameron-Smith said the allocation of PSO officers in Wyndham will reduce crime, violence and anti-social behaviour at the station.
“We believe it will be extremely successful and if we draw on evidence from other stations were they have been previously deployed there has been a significant decrease in crime and anti-social behaviour in these locations.”
He said the ongoing presence of PSOs at the station will make people feel safer when catching trains at night.
“The biggest thing they will bring to the general area is improvement in the general perception of safety to the rail users,” Sen Sgt Cameron-Smith said.
“In the early days it’s a bit of a novelty factor and something a little bit different. As time goes on they will stamp their own presence on the station.”
Sen Sgt Cameron-Smith said PSOs have similar powers to Victorian police officers but cannot use their powers outside the vicinity of train stations.
“They will address anti-social behaviour and they will be able to address things like graffiti property damages offences against the person,” he said.
Mayor Kim McAliney said it was exciting to see the arrival of PSOs in Wyndham.
“The officers play a really important role in our community,” Cr McAliney said.
“I think this is a new era in policing. It will complement our existing police force.”
She said the new officers would make commuters feel safer taking public transport home at night.
“Having that security at night when getting of the train will be really good. The public will be assured they will be safe when they get off the trains.”
