Second-highest ranking Victoria Police officer gone

The Victorian government stands accused of scapegoating the state’s most senior police officers after the second highest ranking executive was shown the door.

Victorian Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

You can now listen to The Australian's articles. Give us your feedback.

You can now listen to The Australian's articles.

The Victorian government stands accused of scapegoating the state’s most senior police officers after the second highest ranking executive was ousted.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson was told his contract will not be renewed this year, marking the latest shake up at the top end of the state’s police force.

Veteran Mr Paterson reportedly told staff in an email on Thursday afternoon that the Allan government would not renew his contract in July.

“Like Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, Victoria Police is an organisation that I too have committed my life to and one that I have the utmost pride in,” Mr Paterson said in the email.

“I have been committed to serving the Victorian community for over thirty-seven years, by detecting and apprehending offenders, supporting victims and helping those in need of assistance. That’s the reason I and every other police officer joins policing and turns up every day.

He went on to thank his husband and children for their support and acknowledged that people in the community did not feel safe.

“This past year has seen a significant rise in crime to record high levels. Our hard-working police officers have never arrested more people or helped more victims, a very sad reality,” he said.

It follows Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton facing an 87 per cent no-confidence vote last week, which led to his sensational resignation.

Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent was appointed acting Chief Commissioner.

Premier Jacinta Allan on Friday refused to disclose who made the call to axe Mr Paterson, saying she wouldn’t provide details about any discussions “out of respect for the office of the chief commissioner”.

Asked whether other top cops could also expect to be sent packing, Ms Allan said the question was an “unnecessary hypothetical” and “speculation”.

“It is clear that we are entering a period ... of transition within the leadership of Victoria Police,” she said.

The Premier, who was in her seat of Bendigo on Friday, thanked Paterson for his service.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the significant period of dedicated service that deputy commissioner Neil Paterson has provided to both Victoria Police, and also to the wider Victorian community,” she said.

“We thank him for his service.”

The opposition’s police spokesperson David Southwick said the government’s decision to sack Mr Patton and Mr Paterson in a matter of days was because of their own “mismanagement” of the crime crisis.

“The Allan Labor Government’s crime crisis blame game continues following confirmation Premier Jacinta Allan has sacked a second Victoria Police executive within a week,” Mr Southwick said.

“It is clear the Allan Labor Government is using some of Victoria Police’s most senior and experienced executive officers as scapegoats for the crime crisis their own mismanagement has created.

“This worsening leadership crisis will do nothing to reopen the 43 closed stations closed across the state, fill the 1,000 frontline vacancies, end Labor’s cycle of offend, arrest, bail repeat or equip police with the powers they need to keep Victorians safe.”
Mr Paterson joined Victoria police in 1988, and more recently was recognised for his work in developing a more inclusive workforce for LGBTQ members.

He was responsible for the force’s regional operations portfolio which covers policing across all metropolitan and regional divisions.

Last year it was revealed Mr Paterson was the subject of an anti-corruption commission probe over a road rage incident.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) confirmed it was investigating whether the top cop abused his position and authority during a verbal altercation with a school parent.

Mr Paterson has taken immediate leave and will conclude his role in July.