Closed police stations will be reopened, roster vacancies filled and community safety restored under a new commitment by Jess Wilson's Liberal and Nationals team to recruit 3,000 additional Victoria Police officers.
Under Labor, cops are down but crime is up.
Under Labor, our population is growing but our police force is shrinking.
Police rosters have more than 1,500 vacancies, over 40 police stations are closing or operate on reduced hours, criminal offending has surged to an all-time high and almost half of all crimes remain unsolved.
As part of the Liberals and Nationals' Safer Communities Plan, a future Jess Wilson led Government will:
- Recruit 3,000 additional Victoria Police officers.
- Reopen the more than 40 police stations closed or operating on reduced hours under Labor.
Half of the 3,000 recruits will be made up of experienced officers from the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand, replicating a successful scheme in Western Australia, with relocation allowances of $5,000 per successful applicant, backed by a recruitment campaign.
Dedicated recruitment teams will be established to fast-track applicant checks and multiple squads to be run simultaneously.
Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, said: "For years under Labor, Victoria has experienced significant population growth, yet our police numbers haven't kept pace.
"Crime is at an all time high, dozens of police stations are closed or operating on reduced hours and too many Victorians are unable to get a timely police response in their time of need.
"Our plan will get more cops on the beat, reopen closed police stations and restore community safety across Victoria.
"Only my Liberal and Nationals team has a comprehensive plan to end Labor's crime crisis and keep Victorians safe."
Shadow Minister for Police and Corrections, Brad Battin, said: "Under Labor, our population is growing but our police force is shrinking, resulting in record high crime levels.
"This significant boost in police numbers will provide Victoria Police with the resources they need to crack down on offending and restore community safety across our state."
Leader of The Nationals, Danny O'Brien, said: "Crime is not just a city problem, it has grown right across our state and the Liberals and Nationals' plan will ensure regional Victorians are safe at home, at work and in the community."
