By Cara Waters
Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s plan to make the city safer by targeting begging and alcohol consumption will begin with just two private security guards assisting local law officers after police declined to provide resources to the project.
City of Melbourne’s proposed trial is in response to 37 reported incidents of violence towards staff members, some of which resulted in injury, over the past two years while enforcing local laws relating to behavioural issues on the streets.
Elizabeth Street has become a beacon for unruly behaviour.Credit: Wayne Taylor
The council requested assistance from Victoria Police for its 30-strong team of local law officers, but the force said it did not have the resources. Instead, a six-week pilot will involve a security services business providing two guards.
“Management has met with and written to Victoria Police to request dedicated resourcing of two police officers to work alongside our local laws officers seven days a week to ensure consistent enforcement of begging and public consumption of alcohol in the City of Melbourne,” a report to councillors said.
“Whilst our concerns have been acknowledged, Victoria Police has confirmed it is unable to commit additional resources at this time due to other operational priorities.”
The council said agencies such as Launch Housing, cohealth and the Salvation Army would also be involved.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece pledged to bring in a city safety team.Credit: Justin McManus
“People consuming alcohol in public places and begging on our streets impacts how our community feels and their perceptions of safety,” the report said.
Reece, who campaigned strongly on crime and safety, pledged to institute a 30-person city safety officer team wearing Kevlar vests and with body cams.
“City safety officers will be a highly visible and responsive presence on the streets, especially on weekends, at nighttime, and during major events and festivals – they will work hand-in-glove with Victoria Police to help ensure that Melbourne remains a safe and welcoming place for all,” Reece said in September last year.
During his campaign, Reece said the city safety officer team would be trained in managing hostile situations and would work closely with Victoria Police to ensure that any serious incidents were quickly addressed.
“They will also work closely with other City of Melbourne authorised officers to enforce local laws,” he said. “We want a Melbourne where everyone can feel safer and even more secure, whether they are running a business, enjoying the city’s amenities, or simply going about their daily lives.”
A spokeswoman for the City of Melbourne said the trial of security guards was unrelated to Reece’s pledge for city safety officers.
She declined to comment on when the city safety officers would commence.
Reece said everyone deserved to feel safe in the city including the council’s staff.
“We know that for many residents, local businesses and visitors, safety is the most important consideration,” he said. “This proposal could provide additional resources to support our local laws team – ensuring we have the right people in the right places at the right time.”
A spokeswoman for Victoria Police said police were aware of the City of Melbourne’s plans to run a trial targeting begging in the city and had declined the request to provide two officers to assist.
“Victoria Police allocates resources where the most community harm can be prevented,” she said. “Our primary focus is targeting and, where possible, stopping serious and violent crimes from occurring.”
The spokeswoman said police ran a regular operation that targeted begging and also supported people who were homeless.
The council will consider the proposed trial at its first public meeting for the year on Tuesday.
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