BENDIGO police officers have voiced their concerns about staffing levels with Police Association representatives ahead of next week’s landmark police rally in Melbourne. Local officers discussed a number of issues with the union officials, including widespread outrage over the chronic lack of police resources. Thousands of police from across Victoria are expected to attend the rally at Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday, which will culminate in a march to the steps of Parliament House. Police Association Legal Manager Sen-Sgt Greg Davies said the rally was called in response to overwhelming feedback from members who are frustrated and disillusioned over a number of issues, especially the critical lack of police resources. “Members are at breaking point – there’s just not enough resources to get the job done,” Sen-Sgt Davies said. “Members are stretched to the absolute limit as a result of chronic under resourcing and the community is telling us that they no longer feel safe.” A recent roster at Bendigo police station revealed that through a combination of unfilled positions and secondments, the station’s manpower was down 25 per cent. This means that the station’s front line emergency response is also diminished by 25 per cent. “We need police back on the streets immediately,” Sen-Sgt Davies said. “Instead of committing to community safety, the chief commissioner, in partnership with the state government is in fact making it harder for police to be police.”
