In brief

Motorists travelling through Victoria’s country areas can expect to be drug tested more often, with police from additional regional stations now joining the effort to nab drug drivers.

Following the success of a trial in the state’s west that began in late 2019, the roadside drug testing program has been expanded to allow for officers at 17 extra police stations to conduct the tests.

Prior to the trial, roadside drug testing was only led by specialist units, which included state and local highway patrol units, the Heavy Vehicle Unit and the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section.

Road Policing Command Western Region Inspector Michael Phyland said regional areas are unfortunately overrepresented in serious injury and fatal collisions.

“The sad reality is that drugs and alcohol are often underlying factors in these collisions,” Insp Phyland said.

“If this expansion means more police officers can help take even one drug driver off our roads, that’s already a huge win.

“Drivers can expect to be pulled over for a roadside drug test at any place and any time, so be warned – if you take drugs and drive, you will be caught.”

The trial is expected to run until the end of March and may be expanded further and to other areas depending on the results.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson was recently named in the 50 Outstanding LGBTI+ Leaders Report.

The report, by Deloitte, recognises role models in the community and aims to inspire all people to work towards creating more inclusive workplaces and communities, all around Australia and the world.

In the report, DC Paterson notes how everyone can have a role by ensuring they are never bystanders to poor behaviour.

“If you are present when someone voices a LGBTIQ phobic view through their words or behaviour, have something to say that draws a line in the sand so they know that it’s not acceptable,” DC Paterson said.

“Coming out is a choice, but if you are ‘out’, then be proud and participate in all aspects of life so that others who may not be as comfortable with their sexuality can gain strength from you.”

DC Paterson said he was delighted and honoured to be recognised in the prestigious report, which first launched in 2016 and aims to help LGBTI+ people ‘be what they see’ and inspire a new generation of leaders from many diverse parts of our community.

“I was surprised and delighted with this wonderful recognition, as I am also proud of Victoria Police for the extraordinary commitment it has shown over the past five years to embrace all aspects of diversity,” he said.

“The change in our organisation has been encouraging to witness and I applaud the many people who have led that change. There is a long way to go, but without doubt, the changes we have seen have had a flow-on positive effect to the service we provide to the broader LGBTI+ community.”

Visit deloitte.com/au/out50 to read the full report.

Victoria Police is calling for community input to help guide planned changes to service delivery.

An online survey has been launched by the organisation’s Service Delivery Transformation Command (SDTC), which was established late last year.

SDTC is tasked with setting the future course for Victoria Police and transforming the organisation’s service delivery by 2025.

Assistant Commissioner Tim Hansen said the online survey contains questions about how people come in contact with police, what the experience was like for them, what is working well and what Victoria Police can do better.

“We want to understand the community’s views and genuinely listen to their insights and ideas,” AC Hansen said.

“The results of the survey will help Victoria Police determine whether our services are meeting community needs, whether the level and methods of service are appropriate, and whether there are services we should start or stop delivering.

“Getting feedback from the community is vital to helping us review, map and design how we can transform our service delivery from good to great.”

AC Hansen said Victoria Police was focused on building a responsive, agile and modern organisation that was best equipped to keep the Victorian community safe.

The survey is open until 10 April 2021.

To take part, visit: police.vic.gov.au/ service-delivery-transformation