The future of Victoria’s highest-ranking police officer is set to be disclosed, following a recent vote of no confidence by police officers against Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton.
Patton has so far refused to resign but members of Victoria’s Police Association want him gone.
Tomorrow, Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines will address the media regarding an update on the Chief Commissioner’s position.
“It’s not a personal attack. it’s just a reality.”
The government has made no comment since the vote on Friday.
“The message conveyed to us, the force, and the government on Friday was powerful, indicating a demand for change,” remarked Wayne Gatt from the Police Association of Victoria.
Opposition police spokesperson David Southwick described the days of relative silence as “a government missing in action”.
Opposition MPs led a crowd of more than 100 through the suburb of Hampton today, demanding a tougher stance on youth crime and bail laws.
“We’ve been burgled three times in the last five years,” protester Darryl Burnett told 9News in Hampton.
Since taking over as police chief in 2020, Patton has overseen a surge in youth crime and resignations and has also failed to finalise a new pay deal for the past two years.
In that time, Victoria’s equivalent number of full time police has stagnated, increasing by just 0.85 per cent, from 15,923 officers in June 2020 to 16,059 officers in June 2024, while hundreds of those are off sick and injured.
Patton’s contract expires in June.
The premier does not have the power to force him to resign, while police chief commissioners have survived votes of no confidence before.
