Vic Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton ousted after members pass no-confidence vote

Victoria’s Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has been told his contract won’t be renewed, after a devastating vote of no confidence in his leadership by more than 12,000 police members.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has been told his contract won’t be renewed in a shock move set to spark a hunt for Victoria’s next top cop.

The Herald Sun can reveal that the Chief Commissioner was advised of the decision following a devastating vote of no confidence in his leadership by more than 12,000 police members.

It is unclear whether Mr Patton will see out his contract to the end of June or resign ahead of that time.

In a statement late on Friday night Police Minister Anthony Carbines said he acknowledged the vote and valued the hard work of police.

“A process is underway for the role of the Chief Commissioner of Police and it would be inappropriate to comment further,” he said.

The shock move comes just a week after Mr Carbines said the government had full confidence in the Chief Commissioner.

He also said there would be no need to re advertise the role, fuelling expectations of a contract extension.

Victorian Chief Commissioner of Police, Shane Patton, will not have his contract renewed. Picture: David Crosling

But pressure for the government to act mounted after more than 12,000 police voted against Mr Patton’s continued leadership.

The results of the damning vote revealed 87.13 per cent of members polled had no confidence in the top cop.

More than 14,500 members voted in the poll – representing 83 per cent of the entire police force – with just 12.87 per cent saying they backed the boss.

The vote followed speculation an extension of Mr Patton’s five year contract, which ends in June, was imminent.

It prompted an angry backlash from members who say morale and confidence have plummeted to their lowest levels under Mr Patton’s leadership.

He has also presided over a lengthy two-year pay dispute that has left members infuriated.

Mr Patton cancelled a scheduled radio interview on Friday afternoon in the fallout of the shock result.

President of The Police Association Victoria president, Karl David, said members had spoken emphatically.

Police members have turned against the top cop. Picture: Sarah Matray

“They do not have confidence in the Chief Commissioner to manage and lead Victoria Police in the future,” he said.

“Our members need urgent fixes to critical failings in policing and for this to occur there needs to be change at the top with a fresh direction.

“Our members have cited concerns with a force in decline, struggling to deliver basic policing services.

“The pressure they place on our people is indescribable and they have not seen tangible evidence or genuine attempts by their leader to fix these critical issues.”

Last year public satisfaction and confidence in Victoria Police plummeted to its lowest levels since records began.

Just 58 per cent of those surveyed said they were “satisfied with policing services”, a massive fall from 73.1 per cent from the year before.

President of The Police Association Victoria president Karl David says members have spoken emphatically.

“Until today, police have been voting with their feet, leaving the job tired, sick and injured in record numbers,” Mr David said.

“They have said this can’t continue so today, they’ve voted with their voice.

“Today’s not just about police and PSOs or what’s good for them. It’s as much about what’s needed for our community.”

Mr David said Mr Patton had failed to live up to a promise to deliver a back to basics approach to policing.

“The reverse has occurred, police stations have closed, services have diminished, crime has dramatically risen, while community satisfaction has fallen,” he said.

“The Police Association urges the government to listen to its police and PSOs.

“They want to solve the community’s crime and safety crisis, but to do this they need confidence in their leadership. It is clear this confidence does not exist.”

It follows bitter industrial action. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Mr Patton said he was hurt by the response, but said he wanted to continue to lead the force.

“Members have rightly pointed out a number of issues concerning them including the rising crime rate, police vacancies, and the high number of members on long term leave,” he said.

“I too share these concerns and my absolute focus has been on developing strategies and introducing operational responses to prioritise and address these issues.

“Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet and these solutions take time.

“It is also important to note these are not unique issues to Victoria Police and many other jurisdictions are facing the same challenges.

“On top of that, I recognise the unresolved EBA has caused uncertainty for many members due to the length of the negotiations and fact the first offer was voted down.

“Rest assured my commitment to the role of Chief Commissioner has not waivered and I will continue to lead this organisation.

“My priority remains firm on providing the best service to the community to keep them safe and supporting members so they can do their job.”

But rank and file members said Mr Patton’s position was now untenable.

“Time to move on mate. Leave with dignity,” one serving police officer told the Herald Sun.

“Are any sporting clubs successful when there is no support for the top dog?”

Another member said officers felt unsupported.

“We want a change of direction, we want a change of leadership,” he told 3AW.

“They don’t have our backs. We’re stretched and overworked. It’s demoralising.”