Wodonga Police have been forced to knock-back donations of new printers which were offered after it was revealed just how under-resourced the station is.
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The Police Association Victoria met with its Wodonga members last Thursday to discuss some of the issues they are facing.
During the meeting members expressed they were fed up with their old equipment and asked if they could buy their own.
Association assistant secretary Inspector Bruce McKenzie said the number of people offering printers online was “overwhelming”.
“That’s just a measure of how desperate things have become in regards to the equipment they are using,” Insp McKenzie said.
“We haven’t had that reaction before from any place in the state - metropolitan or country.
“It’s the Wodonga community getting short changed, they really should be knocking on the door of the state politicians to get this fixed.”
Sgt Mal Clarke, from Wodonga Police, said they have referred all offers onto the association.
“We've had at least three offers at the station from members of the public to provide equipment,” Sgt Clarke said.
The association shared the report on their Facebook page and received strong feedback from the community wanting to help the Border’s police officers.
Despite the generosity, the station is not allowed to accept any of the items that have been put forward.
Mr McKenzie said it has always been the case that Victoria police resist donations.
“Victoria Police has rejected the offers and has also rejected the notion of service clubs donating equipment as well,” he said.
“We haven't had one phone call from a commissioner or deputy commissioner who have all been exposed to this work.
“Victorian Police senior management really needs to step back from statistics and rely on talking to its people.”
Another member from within Wodonga Police, who wished to remain anonymous, said they are glad to finally have the chance to shed some light on the issues.
“Everything seems to be Melbourne centric, when you try to apply those policies in the country and then add cross border issues - we are stuck with it, have to make do and be quiet about it,” the officer said.
“We have certain units having to print sensitive information that no one else should see, or wants to see, from other printers in the building.”
Benambra MP Bill Tilley said all he can do is put pressure on the Andrew’s government to make better policy decisions.
“I want to emphasise there hasn't been one single police officer recruited since the change of government and that's disappointing,” Mr Tilley said.
“When I was a part of policy development we recruited 1720 front line officers.
“There should be significant funds in the budget to provide for them.”
Victoria Police was contacted for comment and said a response would be provided in coming days.
