By JESSE GRAHAM
PROTECTIVE Service Officers (PSOs) have been patrolling Ferntree Gully train station’s platforms for a year, and police believe that the area is safer as a result.
PSOs were first deployed to Ferntree Gully Station on 22 January 2013 and marked their first anniversary with a business-as-usual shift at the station, beginning at 6pm.
Danny Baines and Aaron Rouge Serrett were the two PSOs on duty for the evening, patrolling the platforms at the station from 6pm until the final service.
The pair were squad-mates and graduated together in March last year, before being deployed to Boronia around nine months ago – they patrol Boronia, Bayswater, Ferntree Gully and Upwey stations.
Officer Baines said that he believed PSOs presence at train stations helped the general public to feel safer, by creating a police presence to deter potential criminals.
“I think it helps – we get good feedback from everyone,” he said.
Officer Rouge Serrett said that his favourite part about being a PSO was interacting with the people who passed through the station each day.
“It’s always rewarding when members of the public thank you for what you’re doing out here,” he said.
“It makes it all worthwhile.”
Knox police Senior Sergeant John Hess told the Mail that PSOs provide public confidence in safety at train stations, which are often subject to crimes such as theft and criminal damage.
“They have been very fruitful in identifying known offenders and suspects and provide us with quality information that usually results in intelligence for general policing,” he said.
“Their work is appreciated by us.”
Mr Hess said that he would like to see PSO deployment roll out to Upper Ferntree Gully Station in the future.
For more information on PSOs, visit www.policecareer.vic.gov.au/pso
