Victoria Police has responded to media reports that police patrols on city streets have reduced over the past six years leading to a rise in violent crime.

This assertion was based on an analysis of police timesheets known as AREA data forms. Victoria Police believes this analysis does not accurately reflect the true amount of time dedicated to police patrols.

In a radio interview on Tuesday, Chief Commissioner Simon Overland said the data was rubbish and was not something that Victoria Police relied on.

“We know the data is rubbish and we are actually in the process of implementing a new process of collecting this information which will have more robustness and credibility,??? Mr Overland said.

“I don’t think you can conclude anything based on this data. The current forms are hard to fill in and are cumbersome. They do not actively reflect what we do.???

The AREA data forms were created 13 years ago and have not been updated since their introduction.

New Member Activity Forms will replace the AREA data forms this year and these will better reflect current work activities and lead to a more accurate collection of data.

As a result of these changes, some members no longer submit the forms. This means we are currently not accurately capturing all patrol hours across the state.

Police patrols in the CBD have increased in recent years.

Total patrol hours are not our key indicator when we look at what impact we are having on crime. Our key measure is our annual crime figures and crime statistics released yesterday show that crime has dropped by 23 per cent since 2000, per 100,000 people.

We understand the importance of having a strong visible police presence in the community. Victoria Police has adopted an intelligence led policing model which is about targeting resources to the times and locations where they will have the greatest effect.

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