A new specialist unit of highly-trained Victoria Police officers will take to the streets from this week, carrying out targeted operations across the state to tackle street violence, Premier John Brumby announced today.
Joined by Police Minister Bob Cameron, Mr Brumby today greeted members of the new unit that will be Victoria Police’s latest weapon in the fight against street crime to help keep Victoria’s streets safe.
Mr Brumby said the Government had provided $47 million to create the Operational Response Unit (ORU) by funding of 120 additional police officers.
“Last year, we announced a $47 million boost to provide an extra 120 police officers to the force so Chief Commissioner Overland could establish the new Operational Response Unit and today that becomes a reality,” Mr Brumby said.
“This new unit is made up of police officers specifically recruited and trained to undertake targeted law-enforcement operations. It is expected to grow to 220 members by the end of the year and will significantly boost police capacity to crack down on assaults, the use of weapons and alcohol-related street crime.
“Members of the ORU will be deployed on a needs basis across the three areas of police command – public order, road policing and crime operations – and will also assist Water Police and the State Highway Patrol.”
Mr Brumby said the new Operational Response Unit was one of a number of measures to be rolled out across Victoria to tackle anti-social behaviour and violence.
“Tough new laws introduced last year give Victoria Police extra search and move on powers to help tackle street violence and weapon related offences in Melbourne’s CBD,” he said.
“Police now have strong new powers to search for weapons in designated areas and can move people on from an area where there is a risk to public safety.
“These critical new reforms strengthen Victoria Police’s ability to deal with drunkenness, disorder in public places and violence, particularly violence involving the use of weapons.”
As well as a new offence of disorderly conduct, the existing offences of being drunk in a public place and being drunk and disorderly now carry an on-the-spot penalty of $234.
Mr Cameron said the Government was committed to providing Victoria Police with the powers and resources they need to help keep Victorians safe.
“Funding for the extra Operational Response Unit positions comes on top of the 1400 additional police recruited since 1999 and the extra 350 promised during this term of government,” he said.
“This year we have delivered Victoria Police a record budget of $1.9 billion – the largest budget ever for police in this state – and we remain committed to working with police to deliver the resources police need to help keep communities safe.”