According to The Police Association Victoria, which advocates on behalf of members for issues relevant to their working lives and overall wellbeing, staff shortages caused by 800 vacancies in the force, and with 900 members on long-term sick leave, mean 43 Victorian stations are forced to close at nights.
TPAV says many struggled to get patrols on the road and that community safety was at risk with police working thousands of unpaid overtime shifts, which is causing burnout for members.
“Instead of attracting new recruits and trying to retain existing officers, Victoria Police and this government are slashing police services,” TPAV said on its website.
“What’s more, the government is relying on police officers to work for free to provide basic policing services.
“Off-duty police can’t keep filling shifts without rest.”
According to the site, 71 per cent of police have reported reaching burnout and 64 per cent frequently think about leaving the force, with one in four reporting they will leave within the next year.
TPAV is seeking a 24 per cent pay rise over the next four years and a stop to unpaid work being performed before and after rostered shifts.
A spokesperson for the association said new measures were implemented on September 20.
Almost 15,000 police officers vowed to stop issuing on-the-spot fines, directly affecting the government’s bank balance.
They also voted to only attend events, such as last weekend’s AFL grand final, for which they would be fully and fairly paid.
While TPAV says community safety is being put at risk while members wait for a satisfactory deal to be struck, a Victoria Police spokesperson said that was not the case.
“The community should be assured Victoria Police will continue to ensure frontline policing services and community safety are maintained,” the spokesperson said.
“We remain committed to good faith negotiations with The Police Association Victoria and independent bargaining representatives to secure an agreement that recognises the challenges of policing and is fair for police, protective services officers and the Victorian community.”
Additional to the annual six per cent pay rise sought over the next four years, police association members are also seeking an introduction of 8.5-hour shifts after rejecting an offer in June of a three per cent pay rise and a nine-day fortnight.
Acting Premier Tim Pallas is refusing to bow to demands, threatening to call in the Fair Work Commission if a deal cannot be agreed on.
“It seems a little perverse they’re taking action against the community and the community interests as a consequence of their own failure,” Mr Pallas said.
“We’re not going to see this as a game in the ongoing negotiation process.”
Association members have urged supporters to “make community and police safety a priority” by signing their petition or emailing their local members of parliament.
“We swear an oath to protect you. But we’re struggling to fill shifts and meet our obligations,” TPAV said.
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