2 minute read
New line of help
Editorial: Danielle Ford
Photography: Scott McNaughton
Non-urgent crime and event reporting in Victoria has entered a new era with the launch of the Police Assistance Line, a dedicated phone number set up to take reports anytime, anywhere.
Officially launched on 1 July, the service was introduced by Victoria Police to support the delivery of vital services and enhance the community's connection with police.
Calls to the dedicated 131 444 number are answered at a contact centre in Ballarat, which is staffed by more than 300 civilian employees with supervision from 27 police sergeants, four senior sergeants and one inspector.
Police Assistance Line Inspector Steve Towers said more than 61,307 calls were made to the Police Assistance Line in the month after it was officially launched, highlighting the need in the community for the service.
“Before the introduction of these services, members of the public either called their local police station or Triple Zero (000) to seek help,” Insp Towers said.
“However, some people didn’t call at all out of concern that they would be hassling police with minor matters.
“With the Police Assistance Line, you can feel confident to contact us directly for these nonurgent situations and we’ll be happy to help.”
Sgt Elke Harrison is one of the 32 police officers on hand to assist contact centre workers, like Louise, answer calls to the Police Assistance Line.
The Police Assistance Line can be used to report a number of non-urgent crimes
or events, such as property damage, theft and lost or located property.
Callers can also make general police enquiries and seek advice on neighbourhood disputes of a non-urgent nature.
An online reporting service was launched alongside the Police Assistance Line, which can be accessed via the new-look Victoria Police website. Users can report some non-urgent crimes and submit Partysafe and absence from residence registrations.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said the additional channels were introduced to help modernise the way Victoria Police delivers services to the community, allowing police more time to focus on local priorities and high-value policing.
EXAMPLES OF NON- URGENT CRIMES AND EVENTS THAT CAN BE REPORTED USING THE POLICE ASSISTANCE LINE:
• Theft (including theft of a motor vehicle)
• Property damage
• Lost property
• General police enquiries and more
CRIMES AND EVENTS THAT CAN BE REPORTED USING THE ONLINE REPORTING TOOL:
• Theft
• Lost property
• Property damage
• PartySafe registration
• Absence from residence
