Both major parties noncommittal on increasing police numbers in Manningham

THE police union is warning of an officer shortfall in Manningham but neither the State Government or Opposition is committing to a boost in numbers.

N37FS300 Police operation at Frankston Train Station and surrounds, targeting drugs, weapons etc. Dog Squad, Frankston Tasking Unit and Carrum Downs Police involved. Police search a man at Frankston station.

WHILE the Police Association has warned Manningham has the lowest rate of first-response officers in the state, neither of the major political parties will commit to boosting numbers in the east.

Association secretary Senior Sergeant Ron Iddles said an additional 76 first response officers were needed over the next five years to reach the state average.

This comes after the Manningham Leader reported an incident where a couple went to the 24-hour Warrandyte police station only to find it unstaffed.

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Police Minister Kim Wells said the State Government had already recruited and delivered more than 1700 police officers across Victoria, in line with its 2010 election commitment.

He said by November that number would be closer to 1800.

Opposition police spokesman Wade Noonan said Labor had already detailed a number of strong policy announcements around family violence and tackling the ice epidemic and crime.

“Labor is well aware of community concerns about rising crime rates, Victoria Police staff and budget cuts of more than $100 million under Denis Napthine and the Liberals,” he said.

“We will have further announcements in relation to law and order policies as we get closer to the election.”

The latest police statistics revealed drug offences in Manningham were up 46 per cent, theft from cars increased 41 per cent and reports of stolen cars jumped 51 per cent, while residential burglaries were up about 35 per cent. Victoria Police spokeswoman Lisa Beechey said police resources for the next five years had not yet been allocated.

“We allocate our police by division — which allows the flexibility to move our police around if a high level of service demand is needed,” she said.

Mr Wells said the State Government would continue to work with Chief Commissioner Ken Lay to assess all police infrastructure and resource needs in the area.

“Further announcements regarding the Napthine Government’s law and order initiatives will be made in the lead up to the November election,” he said.