A message from the Chief Commissioner

I invite you to join me at a State Memorial Service on National Police Remembrance Day to pay respect and honour the sacrifice of our fallen colleagues.

Victoria Police is in the midst of planning the service tribute to Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Josh Prestney and Constable Glen Humphris, who tragically lost their lives on 22 April 2020. The members were performing routine police duties on the Eastern Freeway at Kew.

The State Memorial Service, which has been on hold for some time due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, will now be held on 29 September 2021. We look forward to commemorating their service.

In this edition of Police Life, we have highlighted areas where Victoria Police continues to build capability, with articles featuring:

• The launch of Victoria Police’s new Cold Case Hub, which will promote high-profile unsolved homicide cases on a bi-monthly basis on the Victoria Police website.

• The introduction of Explosive Detection Dogs to the Bomb Response Unit.

• How Victoria Police’s PRIME training is improving the response to mental health incidents.

Also in this publication, we have reflected on Victoria Police’s inaugural deployment of specialist police to the Port Arthur tragedy and the recent efforts made by the first responders to raise money for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Wednesday, 28 April 2021 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Port Arthur incident where 35 people were killed and 23 wounded.

It was a privilege to join my counterparts across the Emergency Services sector in Tasmania to recognise the efforts of the local and interstate first responders.

Stay safe and well.