Community concern continues over police staffing levels

THE ongoing issue of police resources and availability across Phillip Island was the focus of an intense social media discussion recently. 

The debate began after a Facebook user posted a question on a community group page, asking why the Cowes Police Station is not open at night, stating their call was re-directed to Wonthaggi.

The user added they been trying to report trespassers in their yard. 

With the most recent crime statistics showing an increase of criminal incidents across Bass Coast, with Cowes one of the top suburbs for incidents, other users were quick to highlight the issue has been ongoing for Island residents. 

Here’s what some users had to say:

“Please contact our local member of parliament Jordan Crugnale and even the Police Chief commissioner himself. Local police would love to provide a better service to the local community but are critically short staffed. Their calls for more staff are not being listened to, so locals need to push for this to change not just for our community but for the poor overworked police members who are wanting to be able to do more but don’t have the resources.”

“Have you called the station to ask? I found out that just because the police station is closed to walk ins, it’s still staffed by police in the cars/ patrolling. It’s just the desk that’s closed. So there is still police in Cowes even when the stations shut.”

“I actually had a great experience with the Cowes police station. I had three people looking around my house at 11.00pm and they triggered my cameras. I wasn’t home at the time. I called the station and they arrived within five minutes of me calling. They searched my home for damage and called me back to let me know. I was so appreciative.”

As part of this year’s Victorian State Budget, another 502 police officers will be deployed across the state over the next two years. 

The allocation for each Police Service Area is not yet confirmed, but an announcement is imminent. 

Victoria Police is constantly reviewing police numbers, level of offending and peak times when police are required.

“Police are 100 per cent committed to keeping everyone who lives in or visits our beautiful region safe, with a 24-hour police response across the entire Bass Coast region, including Cowes,” said Scott Morison, Acting Senior Sergeant.

“Cowes Police Station counter is sometimes temporarily unstaffed because it is often more effective for police officers to be out patrolling the community, so they can be where they are needed most, rather than behind a desk at a police station. 

“Police officers are always within close proximity to respond to incidents as they occur, with back-up support from larger police stations such as Wonthaggi when required. 

“Staff numbers at both Cowes and San Remo police stations are among the highest they have ever been, with a number of vacancies recently filled. 

“The community can expect to see an increase in police resources during busy periods such as the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in October, Schoolies Week in November, and over the peak summer holiday period. 

“We work alongside our many partners, including Ambulance Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Bass Coast Shire Council, to help support our community in enjoying a safe and orderly holiday period.

“Schoolies Week in particular is expected to have its largest police presence than ever before, with the number of school leavers visiting the region expected to increase now that lockdowns are a thing of the past.”

A Victorian Government spokesperson said that the location and deployment of police officers is a matter for the Chief Commissioner of Police.

“Of the 3637 new police officers funded by investment from the Government, 100 police officers and 12 family violence specialist police have been allocated to the Morwell division, which includes Bass Coast Shire,” the spokesperson said. 

“As well as by Cowes and San Remo police stations, Bass Coast Shire is also serviced by a 24-hour police station in Wonthaggi.”

It is important that anyone in need of urgent police assistance calls Triple Zero (000). 

Alternatively, if a non-urgent crime has occurred such as a property theft, the community are able to report this to police via the Police Assistance Line (131 444) or by reporting online via police.vic.gov.au.