Frontline police and specialist units will blanket the CBD, Yarra and surrounds this summer, as part of an enhanced deployment model to improve community safety.
My City Plus will expand on the 24/7 policing model operating in the city to target antisocial behaviour, public order issues and crime.
With millions of Victorians expected to visit Melbourne for the festive season, major events and summer holidays, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Hansen said the community should expect to see a highly visible, robust police presence.
“My City Plus is bringing together frontline police and PSOs with specialist resources from the Operations Response Unit, Mounted Branch, Dog Squad, Water Police, Highway Patrol, Divisional Response Units and Taskforce Razon,” Act Assist Comm Hansen said.
“Police will be more capable and agile in our efforts to prevent crime and respond to incidents than ever before.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Hansen said resources will be deployed where they’re needed most – whether that be at major events in the city, nightlife entertainment areas, around public transport hubs, or suburban parks and beaches.
“Summer is a great time to be out and about with your family and friends, enjoying all that Melbourne has to offer.
“Victoria Police will be with you every step of the way – from the shores, to the suburbs to the CBD, we will be there.”
As part of My City Plus, the Operations Response Unit will proactively patrol the CBD, Yarra and surrounds to preserve public order, minimise assaults and provide a public order capability to any incidents that occur.
With an increase of activities on and around the water during summer, Water Police will be patrolling the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers daily to expand our response and enforcement capability in the marine environment.
The Mounted Branch will provide a height advantage when assisting general duties police’s foot patrols or working in large crowds, and will also patrol busy parks and gardens.
The Melbourne Divisional Response Unit will run Passive Alert Detector (PAD) dog operations at major events in order to detect those pedalling drugs in our community and Taskforce Razon will covertly target high-risk premises to ensure responsible service of alcohol.
“Our goal is to increase safety for those who live, work and visit Melbourne,” Act Assist Comm Hansen said.
“If you’re thinking of coming in to the city to cause trouble, don’t bother: you will be arrested and held to account if you break the law.”
My City Plus will run until April 2019.
