In brief

National focus to drive down crime

Cybercrime, illicit firearms and outlaw motorcycle gangs were hot topics at a Serious and Organised Crime Coordination Committee (SOCCC) meeting held in Melbourne late last year.

Comprising leaders from every Australian state and territory policing jurisdiction, as well as Australian Federal Police, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Tax Office, AUSTRAC, Australian Border Force and New Zealand Police, the SOCCC brings together capability and expertise to combat high-level crimes.

Victoria Police Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said close collaboration with state and federal partners is becoming increasingly important.

“The transnational nature of serious and organised crime – enabled through the new and emerging technology used by criminals – has challenged the traditional investigative practices across our organisations,” AC Hill said.

“Crime does not respect state, national or international borders, so it requires a collective focus of our efforts to combat it.”

The SOCCC’s collaborative effort has proven valuable in recent years, helping to reduce the threat of outlaw motorcycle gangs, disrupt the manufacture, trafficking and use of illicit firearms and drugs and remove children from sexual or physical harm.

Supporting Victorians with disability

The sun shone brightly as police took to the streets of Melbourne as part of the 2022 Law Enforcement Torch Run late last year.

In celebration of International Day of People with Disability, the annual torch run raises awareness of, and funds for, Special Olympics programs, with more than 1.9 million athletes participating in 35 countries.

Since 2008, Victoria Police members have raised more than $900,000 for Special Olympics Victoria, which aims to build a sense of community by providing opportunities for inclusion and supporting people with intellectual disability.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton joined Victoria Police members, Special Olympics athletes and supporters on the 2022 walk and presented a cheque for more than $230,000 to Special Olympics Victoria.

In the same week, Victoria Police employee Natale Cutri was honoured at the Victorian Public Sector Enabler Awards with the ‘Change Maker’ Award for Outstanding Achievement by an Individual.

The judges were impressed by Mr Cutri's outstanding advocacy for accessibility and his drive to create change, through his roles as co-chair of the Victoria Police Enablers Network and treasurer of the Victorian Public Sector Enablers Network.

Welcome back, copper

The old adage of absence making the heart grow fonder is about to be put to the test with the trial of a new process for the reappointment of former police members to the rank of sergeant and senior sergeant.

Human Resources Command Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said the new process will make it easier for former police to return to the fold at sub-officer rank.

“It is hoped this new path will encourage those with years of policing and business experience to reconsider their employment opportunities,” he said.

Successful applicants will be reappointed to a temporary position as a general duties sergeant or senior sergeant in the CBD and will have up to two years to secure a permanent position anywhere across the organisation.

AC Cornelius said the trial will allow Victoria Police to welcome back people “who have a proven strong record of policing with the added benefit of experience gained from working in other organisations”.

The program is open to former members of ranks from senior constable to senior sergeant.

For more information, visit police.vic.gov.au