Council’s plans for a safer Melbourne revealed after successful four-month trial

Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s CBD four-mouth safety crackdown trial has been hailed as a success, with council now unveiling proposed plans to better tackle troubled crime hotspots.

The City of Melbourne’s safety officers were physically and verbally abused more than 100 times in a CBD safety trial that is hoped to be extended.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s CBD safety crackdown trial was hailed as a success with council hoping to expand the use of their Community Safety Officers following a four-month trial.

The use of private security guards accompanying the council officers on the beat is also hoped to be extended.

Council has proposed 11 permanent safety officer roles that would patrol the city and deliver much-needed support to those sleeping rough and using drugs.

They had previously reported feeling unsafe and were granted the use of two private security guards to walk with them through the CBD.

But council staff on the streets still recorded more than 100 instances of verbal and physical abuse on the job, even with security guards nearby.

They interacted with an average of 18 rough sleepers, drug and alcohol users during each eight-hour shift.

More than 50 of those people were referred to support agencies for further assistance.

Council says feedback from workers during the trial, which wraps up on July 1, “has been positive in terms of their feelings of safety”.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s safety crackdown trial has been hailed a success for the CBD. Picture: Jason Edwards

Council officers had previously reported feeling unsafe and were granted the use of two private security guards to walk with them through the CBD.

Feedback from those workers during the trial, which wraps up on July 1, “has been positive in terms of their feelings of safety”.

But the ability of those private guards is heavily restricted as they only have the power to make a “citizen’s arrest” if the matter involves the council worker.

It is understood they cannot intervene if the matter involves an innocent member of the public.

One Subway worker on Elizabeth St said: “It is better than before, the operating hours could be extended of the program. When the team is around there is a lot less begging and drug use.”

A nearby Hungry Jacks staff member said the trial was “a very necessary service especially with the prevalence of drug affected people outside the store.”

Council staff will also ask for additional cash — on top of their $2m already allocated for community safety — to further expand the safety crackdown.

Council has proposed 11 permanent safety officer roles who would patrol Melbourne. Picture: Mark Stewart

One of the City of Melbourne’s key considerations was the perceived safety of employees working in troubled CBD areas.

Their initial results also indicate the workers patrolling the city were able to perform their duties more effectively with the use of private security.

“Awareness of the pilot was low, however there was overwhelming support for an increased presence of authorities equipped to manage the issues targeted by the pilot,” the council agenda reads.

“The trial has involved operating in groups of four (including two security guards) which has enabled officers to address complex on-street issues more consistently.”

Mr Reece last year vowed to deliver a squad of 30 community safety officers to combat aggressive begging, alcohol and drug use in the city.

He boldly claimed it would be the biggest change in safety since the introduction of PSOs on suburban trains.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the feedback on the trial had been overwhelmingly positive.

“I’ve had people stop me in the street to thank us for putting more security on the street,” he said.

“Melbourne is a safe city but we know there are problem areas and problem behaviours.

“Since security officers began patrolling with our Local Laws team, we’ve heard clearly that they’ve helped local businesses, residents, city workers and our staff feel safer.

“By putting more boots on the ground than ever before, we’re helping ensure everyone who lives, works or visits our city can do so with confidence and without fear.”

Originally published as Council’s plans for a safer Melbourne revealed after successful four-month trial