Protective Service Officer Speech
You are probably aware that train station offences in Victoria increased by 27.4% from 2010 to 2011. Rising to a total of 5078 incidents through the year. Victoria police’s most recent crime statistics have revealed horrible issues, forming a greater sense of fear for commuters. Despite the critics, I am here today to explain to you, representatives of the media, that Protective Service Officers are the answer in conjunction with improve infrastructure. Therefore I am suggesting that we need a balance. It is essential that we continue to develop the PSO program to combat against the current danger of crime.
Let me give you a quick background about Protective Service Officers. PSO were introduced in February 2012, to help improve safety in high risk train stations from 6pm to the last train, by patrolling around train stations, dealing with anti-social behaviour, property damage, alcohol and other related offences as they arise. Victoria Police aims to introduce 940 protective service officers by the end of 2014. (1:26)
1. First of all, protective service officers are effective and we do not need to worry about their performance on the job. In order to become a PSO, they undertake a 12 week comprehensive training course at the Victoria Police Academy. Some of you might say 12 weeks of training is too little, and some of them have been a chef, hairdressers, or even priests. Indeed, they have come from different backgrounds; however, to become a PSO, they will learn firearm and defensive tactics, study law, risk assessment, emergency management and group behaviour, how to deal with vulnerable people such as the homeless, drug and alcohol affected people, and people with mental health issues. This training is just the same as any other policeman or woman would have. The training ensures they are ready for their job, and are not ill-equipped. Also, 12 weeks might not sound very long but when you consider the amount of work they need to do at railway stations, then 12
Let me give you a quick background about Protective Service Officers. PSO were introduced in February 2012, to help improve safety in high risk train stations from 6pm to the last train, by patrolling around train stations, dealing with anti-social behaviour, property damage, alcohol and other related offences as they arise. Victoria Police aims to introduce 940 protective service officers by the end of 2014. (1:26)
1. First of all, protective service officers are effective and we do not need to worry about their performance on the job. In order to become a PSO, they undertake a 12 week comprehensive training course at the Victoria Police Academy. Some of you might say 12 weeks of training is too little, and some of them have been a chef, hairdressers, or even priests. Indeed, they have come from different backgrounds; however, to become a PSO, they will learn firearm and defensive tactics, study law, risk assessment, emergency management and group behaviour, how to deal with vulnerable people such as the homeless, drug and alcohol affected people, and people with mental health issues. This training is just the same as any other policeman or woman would have. The training ensures they are ready for their job, and are not ill-equipped. Also, 12 weeks might not sound very long but when you consider the amount of work they need to do at railway stations, then 12