By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON’S new top cop is looking forward to tackling a host of fresh challenges and working with the close-knit community to improve crime rates in the area.
Inspector Stephen Mutton recently arrived in Melton after former inspector Mario Fiorentino was moved to the Victoria Police Centre in Melbourne.
The inspector joined the force in 1979 and has worked across various units and stations including Footscray, Moonee Valley and Melbourne West. He was also the Acting Superintendent between November 2010 and September 2012.
Insp Mutton told Star he would focus on reducing crime, enhancing public safety and reducing road trauma across Melton and said he would work closely with Melton City Council and the community to achieve significant goals.
“I bring a lot of experience and new ideas to the role,” Insp Mutton said.
“We can’t fix problems by ourselves. I think it’s important to develop strong relationships with people and we want people to be able to approach us.”
He said education and a shift in culture were the key elements in reducing road trauma.
“There still seems to be a culture here of people not adhering to road rules….we need to reduce road trauma by educating people…changing the way they think.”
The inspector said family violence was still a major concern in the area and he would work closely with the family violence unit to ensure more victims reported domestic abuse.
Insp Mutton said the area required different approaches in policing from the urban suburbs like Caroline Springs to the outer parts of Melton and this was a challenge he would enjoy.
