Victoria Police will be trackside with the hundreds of thousands of racegoers descending on Melbourne for the annual celebrations from Saturday (2 November).
Police will field a highly visible presence at Flemington, in the CBD, and at major entertainment precincts across the four race days and Monday's Melbourne Cup Parade.
Superintendent Therese Fitzgerald said police were reminding all punters to celebrate safely and responsibly.
"Police and Protective Services Officers (PSOs) will be proactively patrolling public transport, roads, and both the public and corporate areas inside the racecourse," Supt Fitzgerald said.
"We're there to keep you safe and ensure a small minority don't spoil what is a great week of sport and celebrations for others.
"Expect to see large numbers of police focused on preventing and detecting any anti-social and criminal behaviour."
In response to increased drug use across the broader community, Victoria Police has strengthened its focus on illegal drug activity across Victoria, including major events.
Using covert and uniform officers, Victoria Police will be targeting any criminal activity at the 2019 carnival, including alcohol and drug offences and anti-social behaviour.
"Anyone who contemplates coming to the races to drink in excess, take drugs or engage in anti-social behaviour, let this be a firm but fair reminder to think again," Supt Fitzgerald said.
"To assist us gather real-time intelligence, we are asking for assistance from the community - if you suspect someone is committing a crime, including drug offending, we encourage you to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
Police will also have drug and alcohol testing sites positioned around the racecourse and high-risk areas to detect impaired drivers.
"The message is clear; if you're going to drink, plan ahead, take a taxi or uber, use public transport or plan to have a designated driver."
General duties police will be supported by resources from Transit Safety Division, Highway Patrol, Water Police, Search & Rescue and the Critical Incident Response Team in running public order and traffic operations across the week.
Additional PSOs will also be deployed across the public transport network during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with mobile PSO teams roaming trams and trains to address any crime or antisocial behaviour.
Plain clothes police will again be working inside public and corporate areas across Flemington to ensure responsible service of alcohol and to detect any crime.
The 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival runs from Saturday 2 until Saturday 9 November, including:
- Victoria Derby Day, Saturday 2 November
- Melbourne Cup Parade, Monday 4 November
- Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 5 November
- Oaks Day, Thursday 7 November
- Stakes Day, Saturday 9 November
