More turmoil ahead for the Allan government and Victoria Police after months of instability

The government’s “meddling” in Victoria Police sparked a backlash from officers and the hiring of Rick Nugent was seen as a way to steady the ship. Now it’s back to chaos.

Rick Nugent’s shock decision to bow out of Victoria Police’s top job plunges the force and the Allan government deeper into chaos after months of damaging instability.

The February 16 resignation of Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, who was told two days earlier by the state government that his contract would not be renewed, sent shockwaves through the organisation.

As the government attempted to navigate its way out of the terrible “optics” of a crime wave it fuelled, it took out a long knife and began lopping from the top.

Patton’s supporters believed he had been made a scapegoat for law and order problems which were beyond his control but had been mismanaged by the same state government which regularly interfered and, ultimately, removed him.

Shane Patton was told by the state government in February that his contract would not be renewed. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson, viewed by many as capable of doing the top job, was gone soon after. But while Patton resigned with a payout and a nondisclosure agreement there was no golden handshake for Paterson – not even a reason.

Paterson, who views the bloodletting as corrupt, has called upon IBAC to investigate.

In mid-February Mr Nugent was sworn in as acting chief after being hand-picked by the government to help them steady the ship, and was regarded as a shoo-in to take over permanently.

With Wednesday’s explosive news that Nugent has quit, the next major issue is finding someone to fill the chief commissioner role, which is now regarded as a poisoned chalice.

Rick Nugent was regarded as a shoo-in to take over permanently as police chief. Picture: David Geraghty.

One well-placed source said Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill was as good a chance as any local candidate.

“That 10/1 is suddenly looking pretty good,” the source said.

Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert would be another with a chance in what is an open field.

Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy is another whose name has previously been thrown around.

West Australia’s top cop Col Blanch, who started his career with Victoria Police, would be highly credentialed and a big chance, if interested.

But he is believed to be happy out west and the current challenges facing his old force – including rampant youth crime and staff recruitment and retention problems – would be no incentive to return.

Some Victoria Police veterans say the state government’s meddling and constant “reach-in” was a scourge for the force.

They believe it has badly bungled issues like youth crime, bail laws and tobacco wars but refused to take responsibility, choosing instead to sacrifice senior police such as Mr Patton and Mr Paterson.

“They’ve torched this organisation. What they’ve done is absolutely disgusting,” one source said.

“Look at the carnage they’ve caused with their meddling.”