By Belinda Nolan
THE West will receive a greater share of new police, Chief Commissioner Simon Overland has revealed.
Speaking to Star at a community forum in Footscray on Thursday, Mr Overland would not disclose the exact number of new recruits to be rolled out,
but promised the region would receive more than other areas of Melbourne.
“There will be more police posted into the West,” Mr Overland told Star.
“It’s been identified as a high priority, high needs area and it will receive more in the first year and more in the second year.
“I don’t know the figures off the top of my head and I’m not sure if it’s something we’re releasing at this stage but I can say it will be quite a significant number and one which I believe will make a big difference.”
Mr Overland named Brimbank and Maribyrnong as areas which would benefit from the extra resources.
Mr Overland also revealed that Sunshine would retain its Transit Police division, despite an internal review this month.
Around 50 people attended the forum, which is the second of nine to be held across Victoria in the coming weeks.
The meeting was held in the Maribyrnong Council offices, with attendees including council representatives, social workers and traders.
Mr Overland admitted many had lost confidence in the safety of the public transport system, with startling new figures revealing that only 37 per cent of people feel safe on public transport at night.
“It’s not enough to achieve reductions in crime, the community actually have to feel it,” Mr Overland said.
“The feeling is just as important and clearly when we’ve got 37 per cent of people feeling safe, that’s an issue of concern for us.”
Brimbank residents and traders have expressed disappointment their municipality was snubbed as a location for the forum and was not open to the general public.
Respect the West convenor Sean Spencer said the police had missed an opportunity to get the feedback of ordinary residents.
“Given the serious crime concerns of residents in the western suburbs, it is also of concern that only one out of nine forums is being held in the West,” Mr Spencer said.
But Mr Overland said the forum was by invitation only to keep it at a manageable size and allow for audience interaction.
