More cops wanted

By Casey Neill
POLICE and residents are crying out for more cops to patrol the streets.
Knox woman Shaddy Cameron has been collecting signatures in the hills for a state-wide Police Association petition calling for more staff to patrol the streets.
In a single afternoon, Ms Cameron gathered almost 150 signatures at a Boronia shopping centre.
“They really care about their police,” Ms Cameron said.
“They know there’s a shortage. They (police) are doing their best.”
She said more resources were crucial to relieve pressure on police.
“Most people have needed them and they haven’t come or they’ve come too late,” she said.
“We’re only helping ourselves by helping them.”
Ms Cameron understands their plight all too well.
Her husband Ian is a former police officer.
“The stress and the strain is causing a heck of a lot of illness,” she said.
“(The) police themselves are asking for help.”
One local sergeant told the Mail there were not enough police at his station to sustain the required roster.
“Staffing is an issue across the state,” he said.
“We’re trying to increase numbers,” he said.
The sergeant said low staff levels reduced roster flexibility and put stress on police.
“But at this stage of the game we’re coping,” he said.
The Police Association launched the Save Our Streets – SOS petition in Victoria late last month.
Secretary designate Senior Sergeant Greg Davies said policing in Victoria was in crisis.
“There are simply not enough police on our streets,” he said.
The petition calls on the State Government to fund 3000 new police.
The Police Association aims to present a record 70,000 signatures to Parliament.
Sen Sgt Davies said two out of every three police had considered quitting in the past year due to frustration and stress.
“Too few police resources mean we’re losing the fight against violence and street crime,” he said.
“Police have sworn to protect the community, but are frustrated that they don’t have the back-up they needed to do their jobs properly.”
The petition is available at 52 police stations across Victoria.
More information is available from the Police Association website, www.tpav.org.au.
Anyone interested in signing the petition or collecting signatures can call their local police station or the Police Association on 9495 6899.
The Mail contacted the State Government but did not receive a response.