New acting Victorian police chief Rick Nugent committed to change, after Shane Patton ousting
Acting Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent has fronted the media for the first time, saying while nobody wants to see children behind bars sometimes “they need to be incarcerated”.
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Victoria’s new acting police chief says the state’s bail laws needed to be tightened.
Fronting the media for the first time on his second official day in the role, Rick Nugent said he had been in talks with Police Minister Anthony Carbines about a review underway into current laws.
“The government is now working through what those changes will be,” Mr Nugent said.
“They will discuss those changes with myself, and I will have advice as well from our members.
“They (government) are actively doing that work right now to make those changes.
“You don’t want children remanded, but from time to time their behaviours, their offending reaches a level that, whatever level that is, where they need to be incarcerated.”
Mr Nugent said he would also take time to talk to members across the force to understand their major concerns.
“Recruitment is an immediate priority for us,” he said.
“We have over a thousand vacancies in the organisation at the moment and we need to ensure that a pipeline is clear to enable people to be recruited to this organisation, to then move through the academy and out onto the road to support our police already there.”
Mr Nugent said the upcoming vote on a new pay deal meant it was “very important” to settle the matter with members of the force.
After a devastating no confidence vote late last week for outgoing chief Shane Patton, Mr Nugent thanked the veteran officer for his service to the force.
“I want to thank him for 45 years of service and his commitment to this organisation,” Mr Nugent said.
“He genuinely cared about the organisation.”
Mr Nugent would not be drawn on how conversations between Premier Jacinta Allan and Mr Carbines unfolded over the weekend.
“I don’t think it’s helpful to get into that narrative,” he said.
But Mr Nugent said he had spoken with Mr Patton in recent days, and that the former chief supported him in his new role.
“Obviously he’s disappointed,” Mr Nugent said.
“He cared passionately about the organisation.”
Mr Nugent said that while their leadership styles may differ, Mr Patton was “good to talk to” in recent days.
Mr Nugent said he had “no hesitation” having tough talks with the state government about key issues such as funding or matters where he and government leaders disagreed.
“Operational independence of Victoria Police is critical and I’ll fiercely protect our operational independence,” he said.
“I am confident we will have the funding we need to focus on community safety.”
Mr Nugent said he trusted and felt backed by Mr Carbines.
“I don’t have a reason not to trust him,” he said.
Mr Nugent, who said he would apply for the top job permanently after his unexpected re-entry to the force, said his top priorities included making sure the community felt safe and improving their level of trust in police.
“We are here to protect the community and support the community and do all we can in their time of need,” he said.
“We also need as an organisation to have the trust and confidence of the community and this has diminished in recent times.”
Mr Nugent took on the role after Mr Patton stepped down late on Sunday night.
More than 12,000 rank and file police voted that they did not have confidence in his leadership.
The ballot forced the state government to backflip on their plans to renew Mr Patton’s contract for a second five-year term in a move likened by Opposition Leader Brad Battin to “breaking up over text”.
Significant pressures’: Nugent day one email to staff
Victoria’s new police chief has vowed to do everything in his power to address members’ concerns in the wake of the removal of Shane Patton.
In an email to officers statewide on Wednesday, Mr Nugent said he had been briefed on the “significant pressures” facing members and would get more information in coming days and weeks on those issues.
He said he was surprised to find himself back in the force.
“While I am proud to be wearing a blue uniform again and leading our great organisation, I too, have varied feelings on these events,” he said
“I am confident we’ll get through this difficult time together,” Mr Nugent said.
Mr Nugent thanked Mr Patton for his 46 years of commitment to the force and his state.
“Policing was his passion. He genuinely cared about the organisation, the people and the community,” the new CC said.
Mr Nugent went on to say his number one priority was the community, keeping people safe in their homes and on the roads and during emergencies.
He said community trust and confidence in police had been diminished of late and it needed to be rebuilt.
Employee welfare and morale were crucial, Mr Nugent said, and it was important to understand the concerns of staff.
“This is key for me,” he said.
“I have always been a big believer in leaving my office and visiting stations, commands and departments to speak to people,” Mr Nugent wrote.
“Change takes time and not everything can be fixed overnight, but I genuinely want to hear as much feedback as I can to make better decisions for you and to develop sustainable change.”
Mr Nugent addressed some other major issues in the email.
On bail laws, he said change in legislation was needed and he had already discussed this with the government, with a review underway.
Those talks are believed to have happened in recent days.
“I will be involved in these conversations and will ensure clear advice and recommendations are provided to government on behalf of Victoria Police,” he said.
Mr Nugent voiced his support for the enterprise bargaining agreement which will go to a vote of members next week.
He also said finding more recruits was a priority to take pressure off stations and work units under resourcing pressure.
“We need to make efficiencies and streamline processes so we can accelerate recruitment and get more police on the street,” Mr Nugent said.
“Already we are seeing some efficiencies and double squads will recommence at the academy on 24 February and will continue for the next three intakes.”
The stand-in chief said the government would be briefed on the force’s organisational review next month and he understood there was uncertainty about how it may impact staff.
“This is only natural and I am committed to advising our workforce as soon as possible on its progress,” Mr Nugent said.
Mr Nugent went on to confirm he would be applying for the role of Chief Commissioner when it was advertised soon.
He acknowledged the ongoing commitment and dedication of those under his leadership until June.
“Many of you are exposed to the best and worst in society,” he said.
“But please understand the difference you make in people’s lives. I know recent times have been tough but you have not let this get in the way of your job.
“This is admirable and now I need to find more ways to support you, empower you and improve morale. As I said earlier, we are stronger as a team when we unite as one.”
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