A call for immediate tangible action was one of the first things to come out of a meeting between the Police Association Victoria and Benambra MP Bill Tilley on Friday.
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We believe the station was promised computers but they have not been delivered, this is just one example of the basic tools our members need to do their jobs
- Inspector Bruce McKenzie
Victoria Police promised new computers to Wodonga Police and a review of other equipment almost a month ago, but officers are yet to see any signs of delivery.
However, association assistant secretary Inspector Bruce McKenzie said they were happy to see a Victoria Police boss had visited the station on Tuesday.
The assistant commissioner eastern region, Rick Nugent, met with investigative officers at the station and did a walk through.
Insp McKenzie said besides the visit, not much had changed since the association’s last visit on August 20.
“We wanted to come back to continue the follow-up,” he said.
“We believe the station was promised computers but they have not been delivered, this is just one example of the basic tools our members need to do their jobs.
“There have been promises and talk, but no action.”
As a member of the force, Mr Tilley said police resourcing has been an issue of successive governments.
He said the government’s appointment of 400 custody officers doesn’t address the issues at Wodonga.
“They need people and they need equipment, but nothing should come at the expense of the front line,” Mr Tilley said.
“In this region, the SOCIT unit dealt with 200 sexual offence cases last year with just under four full-time equivalent staff.”
Other issues raised in the meeting were to do with an over-emphasis on statistics and reports which creates more work for officers.
There was also concern about Victoria Police being too bureaucratic and “top heavy” with bosses which slows different processes.
While the government provides the funds, it is up to the police chief commissioner as to how the money is spent.
Mr McKenzie said money would be better invested on front-line officers rather than on wages for bosses.
Association Victorian branch delegate Wayne Gatt said the restraints on police were an issue for the whole community.
“It worries us they have been handcuffed in their ability to do their jobs,” he said. “The front line must come first.”
The association intends to speak with the assistant commissioner to find out more about his visit to Wodonga, while Mr Tilley said he was keen to ask Minister for Police Wade Noonan about the issues discussed.
