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Churchill To Have Better Police Protection Under Coalition A Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government will work with Victoria Police to upgrade Churchill Police Station from 16-hour to 24-hour operation, By Peter Ryan - 18th November 2010 - Back to News Shadow Minister for Police and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan said today.
Mr Ryan joined with Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe to make the law and order announcement in Churchill today.
"Ultimately it is a matter for police command as to where police are allocated but a Coalition Government will supply the facilities at Churchill to enable a 24 hour police presence and appropriate police numbers to make it happen," Mr Ryan said.
"The Coalition’s commitment means that the local community will have a greater police presence to make local streets safer – around the clock, seven days a week.
"Local families and small businesses should not be forced to wait for police response from other Latrobe Valley townships or beyond. Under the Coalition’s plan, Churchill will have the additional police officers it needs for protecting the community 24 hours a day.
Mr Northe said Churchill had a population of approximately 5,000 residents and they deserve a full time, fully manned police station."
"This initiative would also provide additional support to our wonderful police officers who serve our community with distinction on a regular basis", Mr Northe said
Mr Ryan said that Labor’s track record on public safety and police resourcing over 11 years in power was a disgrace with chronic police shortages across the state.
"Victoria has the lowest number of frontline police per capita and spends the least on police resources per capita than any other state in Australia.
"At the same time violent crime rates have risen 45 per cent and assault has increased by 75 per cent over the past decade across Victoria.
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition had a comprehensive plan to protect regional Victorian communities with a more visible police force and stronger laws.
"The Coalition will invest in 1,700 new frontline police officers and 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers that will protect streets, neighbourhoods and regional public transport at night." Mr Ryan said.
Media: Sonia Heath 0413 485 526 or 9651 8526 www.peterryan.com.au
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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