In the Wodonga region, 13 sergeants have been assigned to specific areas to understand what's going on in each area, who is committing crime, and what services are available, as Victoria Police pushes for more officers on the ground.

Understanding safety concerns and ideas, and building trust between police and the community, is also key.

The Community Connect program officially started this month, but Inspector Paul Hargeaves said officers' movements had been tracked for six months to understand where they were working and how things can be done better.

"I think anyone in the community will admit it - if you see a blue uniform walking around, it gives you that sense of confidence," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"We've done that in the past but we can do it better and we can do it in more concentrated locations.

"If you've got police tasked to certain areas, you're going to reach more people.

"This is about working with our community and connecting with them to get a better result."

An online survey is running until next month to gauge concern about issues including guns, road safety, alcohol and drugs, stock theft and family violence.

Respondents are also asked how safe they feel at home, shopping centres, parks and other areas, and how important things like foot patrols and neighbourhood watch are.

New Chief Commissioner Shane Patton is pushing for increased street policing as part of a back-to-basics approach to the job.

"I don't want to drive from here to Albury and not see a police car," he recently told The Age.

Inspector Hargeaves said police were always available, including in areas with lone officers and 16-hour stations.

"I think the community can be very happy that police here are very responsive and are out and about, but we can do it better and will do it better," he said.

Meanwhile two officers have recently been appointed to senior sergeant roles at the Wodonga station, overseeing the region's uniform section.

Shane Martin had most recently worked as a forensic sergeant while Joel Hughes joins the area after eight years in Euroa.

"Police and the community work really well together and we need to keep doing that in these times with COVID-19," Senior Sergeant Martin said.

Senior Sergeant Hughes - who is now a rank higher than his father, an officer since 1977 - welcomed the Community Connect program as a way to build relationships with the public.