A routine test of the Melbourne CBD public address system, one option available to Victoria Police to alert the community in the event of an emergency or critical incident such as terrorism, will be held tomorrow.
The test emergency warning system will be played at speaker locations across the CBD from about 10.30am tomorrow (Monday 16 December).
The message transmitted will include a warning signal which clearly notifies the public that it is a test only.
The public address system is one option available to Victoria Police to alert the community about important safety information during a range of emergencies.
North West Metro Region Commander Tim Hansen said there was no cause for panic if people heard the test alert or noticed an enhanced police presence in the CBD.
"We're testing the system to ensure it is running as it should so that if a major incident occurs police can quickly alert the community of any imminent risks and ensure their safety," Cmdr Hansen said.
"The testing will be conducted in five specific zones across the CBD from about 10.30am until about midday. Uniform officers will be present at the speaker sites to assist with the test and answer any questions the community may have.
"The next routine test is scheduled to be conducted in the CBD in early 2020."
The speaker system is just one of the warning options available to Victoria Police to alert the community about important safety information during an emergency or major critical incident.
"Police can also communicate rapidly via SMS and Victoria Police social media channels including Facebook and Twitter, which would be regularly updated during a critical incident.," Cmdr Hansen said.
"I would actively encourage everyone to follow or like Victoria Police social media channels in order to receive timely community safety information and general crime prevention advice."
Victoria Police will post notifications via social media this afternoon and Monday morning to ensure as many people as possible are aware the test is happening.
These will be shared by City of Melbourne, Public Transport Victoria, Metro Trains, Yarra Trams and Emergency Management Victoria.
Police officers will be present at speaker sites across the city to provide reassurance and respond to any concerns the community may have.
Commuters on trains, trams and buses will also receive notification before and during the test via the PTV and TramTRACKER apps as well as onboard and platform announcements.
For more information visit www.vic.gov.au/melbournesecurityupgrade.
