Victoria Police announces frontline-focused reforms
Victoria Police has unveiled a comprehensive proposal to slim its executive ranks and reinvest in frontline policing as part of a broader strategy to curb crime across the state. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the changes are designed to reduce administrative burdens on officers, allowing them to spend more time on the streets where communities need them most.
Speaking on Monday, Commissioner Bush emphasized the urgency of the reform amid a record-breaking crime wave. Official data show that the 12 months to July saw a 15.7 per cent increase in offences compared with the previous year, amounting to 86,587 additional crimes. In response, the police leadership outlined a two-phase approach aimed at delivering tangible front-line results within a year and beyond.
What the restructure entails
The plan proposes trimming the executive team and reducing the number of centralised commands and departments. In particular, six deputy positions would move to four, with staff feedback sought before finalising the exact numbers. The core intent is to redirect resources toward prevention, community engagement and frontline response.
A key new role highlighted by Commissioner Bush is the deputy commissioner of prevention, community and partnership, a position that would place heightened focus on youth crime, an area the Chief Commissioner described as requiring both early intervention and consequences for serious offending.
As part of the reforms, Victoria Police intends to trial releasing sworn officers from routine desk duties—such as station reception counters—to free up frontline personnel. The plan includes potential alternatives to these duties, including public servants or police custody officers, while maintaining service levels for the public. The aim is to recover about 1.4 million personnel hours in the first year alone.
Other elements include the creation of a dedicated admin team, potentially comprising former officers, to handle paperwork after an arrest. This is meant to streamline back-office processes so that front-line officers can return to the streets more quickly and spend less time on administrative tasks.
Investing in data, intelligence and early intervention
Another pillar of the reform is the establishment of a State Crime Coordination Centre by mid-next year. The centre will feature a high-tech hub to collate information, intelligence and operational capabilities. Using advanced data analytics, the centre will help identify links between crimes, reveal patterns, and provide real-time insights to frontline police, supporting more proactive and targeted policing.
Commissioner Bush underscored the need for consistency and fairness in dealing with youth crime. He cited the amnesty program that has removed roughly 15,000 machetes from communities and urged ongoing, consistent punishment for serious offenses.
Costs, timeline and community trust
Officials say the restructure will be funded internally, with a two-phase review to guide implementation. The second phase is planned for early next year, and Commissioner Bush has set a goal of having the reforms semi-established within about 12 months. He stressed that the changes are a “rearranging of current resources” intended to rebuild public confidence and reduce crime, rather than an abrupt overhaul.
Public sentiment around Victoria Police has been an important consideration. The Chief Commissioner acknowledged a need to restore trust while maintaining high standards of service. Staff will be invited to provide feedback, with the department committing to consider input before finalising a top-level design.
Industry response and next steps
Senior voices from the Police Association Victoria welcomed the focus on frontline and preventative strategies. Secretary Wayne Gatt noted support for a plan that emphasizes front-line outcomes and pledged ongoing dialogue with members about how changes will affect daily work. The proposed reforms will be assessed against their ability to reduce crime, sustain public trust, and improve officer safety and wellbeing.
