By ALESHA CAPONE
BRIMBANK and Melton are set to gain 23 new police across the next 12 months.
Last Friday, Victoria Police announced a total of 350 extra police positions have been allocated across Victoria for 2012-2013.
Also in the West, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham are set to gain 20 new police officers.
A statement from Victoria Police said Divisional Superintendents would decide how many officers would be allocated to each station in the western suburbs.
The statement said it was likely the new police would be assigned depending on where they would be most needed “to help tackle local crime issues”.
Deputy Commissioner Lucinda Nolan said 1200 extra police positions have been allocated across the state since early 2011.
The State Government has committed to recruiting an extra 1700 police by November 2014.
“This is about providing police numbers where they are most needed – whether that is in order to tackle state-wide priorities that Victoria Police has identified, such as serious and organised crime and road safety, or local crimes impacting on individuals and communities like family violence and property damage,” Deputy Commissioner Nolan said.
“When we allocate our police numbers, we also look at emerging crime trends, growing populations and what the community concerns are.
“We will continue to look at where these police can make a difference in our communities by enhancing community safety, and continue to roll out the additional 1700 police and 940 protective services officers.”
Ms Nolan said some Victorians could have already seen the additional police members in their communities and all of the 350 additional positions would be rolled out by June 2013.
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan, said the State Government has allocated $602 million towards the recruitment and training of new police.
