Police receive funds for recruitment and tasers

Victoria police have received funding for recruitment and tasers in the new state budget. Picture: ON FILE

The Victorian Government is aiming to hire an additional 502 police and 50 Protective Service Officers over the next two years, as a part of the $342 million allocated in the 2022/23 state budget.

Minister for Police Lisa Neville said the government has delivered thousands of additional police and is now continuing recruitment.

We’re prioritising the safety of all Victorians with brand new stations and with an ongoing focus on preventing emerging issues such as violent extremism,” she said.

“Policing is often a dangerous and selfless job and now our longest-serving members will be able to access death and disability insurance to provide well-deserved financial security for themselves and their families.”

The State Government will update the Staff Allocation Model alongside Victoria Police and Police Association of Victoria to reflect the changes to the way Victorians live and work because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

$215 million has been invested into the rollout of conducted energy devices — commonly known as tasers — to police and PSOs.

$15 million is being invested in providing death and disability insurance for operational police officers between the age of 55 and 60.

$4.7 million has been allocated to support work on the Strategic Framework for Countering Violent Extremism.