Broadmeadows parking squeeze has Hume Inspector concerned for police safety
A change to parking for police officers’ private cars in Broadmeadows has Hume’s top cop fearing for staff safety. And he says the problem is so bad it could stop police working at the station.
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A shortage of parking spaces for police at Broadmeadows station is putting its officers at risk, Hume’s top cop says.
A longstanding parking permit arrangement between Broadmeadows police and Hume Council expired last Monday, leaving dozens of officers without an unrestricted place to park near the station.
Broadmeadows police complex has 61 onsite parking spots — 34 are filled by police vehicles.
That leaves just 27 private parks for the station’s 250 staff.
Hume Local Area Commander Inspector Anthony Brown said he feared for the safety of police officers walking to and from their cars when forced to park away from the station.
In a letter to Hume Council chief executive Dominic Isola, seen by the Leader, Insp Brown said there had been incidents of known offenders stalking members on their way from the station after a shift.
He urged Mr Isola to reconsider revoking the permit arrangement in a letter dated August 14, or at least retain the parking area between the station and the Caltex petrol station and the 10 spots opposite the complex on Dimboola Rd.
“The issue of parking is already highlighted as the number one issue that is raised by my staff during exit interviews,” Insp Brown wrote.
“I am significantly concerned about the impact this will have on the safety of my members, as well as the impact … on my ability to attract and retain high quality applicants at all levels of policing in Broadmeadows to ensure a high level of service to the community.”
Insp Brown said he had limited success working with other organisations to find suitable safe parking for officers.
Mr Isola said due to statutory parking requirements the council could not extend the arrangement beyond the opening of the renovated Town Hall Broadmeadows.
Hume councillors recently voted to write to the Victoria’s police, workplace safety and crime prevention ministers and Broadmeadows state Labor MP Frank McGuire to request they urgently build new parking for officers.
“We’re getting letters from Victoria Police asking us to step in and take over a State Government responsibility, which is parking for their staff,” Cr Naim Kurt said.
“It’s something we’ve generously done in the past but we simply can’t do with the opening of the town hall. It’s appropriate we … let the government know we’re not happy about it.”
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State Government spokeswoman Stephanie Jones said Police Minister Lisa Neville visited the station last month and discussed the parking situation.
“Alternate and suitable private parking arrangements for officers have since been made in the vicinity of the station,” she said.
“Victoria Police have assured the government they are confident sufficient parking is available and there will be no impact on resourcing or service delivery to the Broadmeadows community.”
However, the Leader understands that there is still a shortage of parking for officers.