'Strengthened' bail laws a first call for police chief

"It's clear bail laws need to be strengthened," Mr Nugent told reporters. 

"I have met with (Police Minister Anthony Carbines) yesterday, who confirmed they are undertaking a review and will make some changes to bail laws to better support community safety in this state. 

"We also have an organisational review under way ... the proposal is nearly finalised, which will be presented to me to then consider before we look at approving that and any implementation on any changes." 

Premier Jacinta Allan ordered a fresh review of Victoria's bail laws earlier in February, saying it was "clear to me that we need to go further." 

These changes would follow statistics in December revealing crimes by children aged 10 to 17 have reached their highest levels in Victoria since 2009. 

Teens aged 14 to 17 were responsible for the most child crime, totalling 20,753 incidents.

Mr Nugent left his post as emergency management commissioner to take up the new job, with State Emergency Service chief officer Tim Wiebusch stepping into his post.

A search for Mr Patton's permanent replacement is under way after the government ruled his position untenable.

Of the 14,571 Police Association members who voted on the no-confidence motion, more than 12,600 - or 87 per cent - said Mr Patton could not lead the force anymore.

Mr Patton, who joined the force at 16, initially vowed to stay on after the vote, but information soon leaked he had been told his contract would not be renewed.

He resigned on Sunday.

Mr Nugent said attention should shift to the enterprise bargaining agreement, which members will vote on next week. 

Ms Allan said the overwhelming result from police members about Mr Patton could not be ignored and had triggered confidential conversations with senior government officials. 

The premier refused to say if she or Mr Carbines had a direct conversation with Mr Patton, if his contract was being paid out or if he had been forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement.