THE POLITICS IN POLICING…

 There is no escaping the impact of politics on policing, both good and bad, and we are now in for a time of uncertainty as the State heads for one of the most important elections this decade, in a few short weeks.

Although all elections are important, this one has a certain twist and will definitely be one to watch, with new serious players in the mix and a government that seems to be on the nose, with multiple challengers circling the main prize of winning Government.

A new Premier has recently swung the big stick, removing key stalwarts from their lucrative roles who were, in one way or another, responsible for the demise of this once-great State. This move was inevitable, regardless of who won government.

What we are concerned about is the impact on Law and Order and the Force’s ability to do its job.

One person to watch is the Chief Commissioner, who has been in the job for just over 12 months.

As we have already said, he was handed a ‘poisoned chalice’ appointment, given the state of the Force he was given, but be that as it may, the unarguable big political ticket item in this State is crime, and things don’t look the best for the Chief.

One indicator is that although we haven’t heard any criticism from any of the Political players, ringing endorsements are also missing, but that may be in his favour, as in the political arena, endorsement can be the kiss of death.

The risk of destabilising the Force comes from the crime rate, as it affects all parties in this election because most voters will focus on this issue.

There seem to be many positives coming from the conservative side of politics, and the Government is making some good noises; however, the proof will be in how these policies are applied, and who do we trust to implement their platform?

What is sadly lacking is clear planning objectives from the Police, the Courts and Corrections on how the crime will be reeled in, and voters look like they are going to the polls based on broad promises that have little weight.

The weight of these promises may well decide the election.

This is where the Chief Commissioner is at risk, as neither side of politics will have much faith in him if he doesn’t produce results quickly.

It is right that he stays out of the Political fray, but he takes a real risk by not providing leadership on each warring faction’s promises.

At this stage, the Force seems to be improving in the targeted approach to crime. Still, those who know are fully aware that this does not necessarily translate into crime reduction, no matter how the stats are massaged; a meaningful reduction can and only ever will be achieved by a Force that has the community on its side.

And that means proactive policing.

Policing is a service delivered to the community, and they are the first to notice failures and the first to let their politicians know about them, usually without fuss- the most effective weapon available to them.

We are sure the Chief is aware of this and also aware that the real impact of proactive policing cannot be produced overnight. The strategies need to be planned, implemented, reviewed and measured, and the results may not be seen for a few years.

Some initiatives will fail, and some will succeed spectacularly, and those are the ones VicPol must pursue.

The community, however, is being grossly underestimated, as they know this, and even if results are not immediate, if the planning is good and meaningful programs are implemented and properly explained, the community will accept them.

The community will quickly tire when they realise that all these big target operations, successful or not, have little to no impact on the service they expect to be delivered.

There have been, for example, a plethora of high-profile convictions and many more slayings of key crime figures by their own ilk; however, crime does not decrease. The community still has its cars stolen, houses robbed, children assaulted, and addicts running riot unchecked, and the fear of injury by criminals is real and reducing our liberty nearly as badly as we experienced during COVID.

Initiatives like the G-Tag, which we previously recommended, could have a substantial impact, was ignored, along with other technological advances that could make police more effective and the community safer.

It won’t be the politicians who cop the blame; they will only be in office for 4 years; however, the Chief may be in a far more tenuous position.

The last 10 years haven’t all been doom and gloom; in 2016, CAA heavily promoted the reintroduction of the Police Reservists and has taken every opportunity to promote this approach ever since.

Now the current Chief has introduced the Reservist concept, and lo and behold, we are getting positive feedback from serving members on how successful this initiative is, albeit early days.

But when many former police officers of all ranks, including Commissioned Officers, return in numbers, members welcome them with open arms to help with the drudgery of policing; furthermore, the expertise these Reservists can impart is invaluable, which members realise.

The community sees this move as a step towards reopening Police Stations, which will have a huge positive impact.

It only took us 10 years of pressure to achieve this result.

But it is initiatives like this that the community realises serve them well and build public confidence in the Force.

The Chief must look to the bag of tricks and produce a few more initiatives of this ilk, and that will not only help the State but secure his future, as politicians aren’t likely to move on success.

The Police In Schools Program would be another great starting point and would be ideal for Reservists to deliver.

Although there are currently quasi-Police school programs, the PISP in its purest form is another beast entirely, and its capacity to succeed has no peer.

…it was a sad day that the Police in Schools program ceased at my school. With over 40 years’ experience in a Primary School, I never understood why the program was discontinued. If Police were at my school, they might find out what is really going on in the community.

…Pearl Garland – Primary School Teacher.

…school principals are screaming out for help to deal with the problems they face. A huge frustration is that any effort they make must by definition stop at the school gate. A revamped Police in Schools program will be enthusiastically embraced.

…Kris Arcaro – Director Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division DET

These two endorsements of the PISP come from a 2016 paper produced by CAA to create an initiative to stem the rising crime rate.

No action, and guess what? The crime rate has continued to climb unabated. It has become more deadly and dangerous, impacting citizens, if not directly, then indirectly, with the financial hit of huge insurance increases and the loss of liberty because of rampant crime.

We really need to get this one done.

Chief, you have the power and the resources; all that’s needed is leadership, and the results will flow.

Don’t let the naysayers within block you, and ignore the temptation of political expediency.