Tony Lupton - News
New divvy vans ready to drive crime down
A new high-technology divisional van will assist Prahran police to keep families in the area safe.
The Premier John Brumby recently handed Prahran police the keys to the first new high-tech divisional van to be deployed in the central Melbourne area of police region 1, part of a 180-strong fleet being rolled out across the state.
“We understand Victorians want safer communities and that’s why we are providing police with record resources and bringing in tough new measures to drive down crime,” Mr Brumby said.
“During every term of our government we have delivered hundreds of additional police to the force and by the end of this year that will see nearly 2000 extra police on the streets since Labor came to government.
“We have a strong record of giving police the powers and resources they need to tackle crime, including a record Victoria Police budget of $1.9 billion this year, – the largest budget ever for police in this state.
“This new van is the first of the new fleet of new divisional vans that will be put into service in region 1, with another new divisional van set to be delivered by July to the Melbourne East Police Station, situated in Flinders Lane in the CBD.
“Our Government is committed to providing Victoria Police with the powers and resources they need to help keep Victorians safe.”
Member for Prahran Tony Lupton said the new divisional vans would put more police vehicles on the streets and also increase the safety and capabilities of police officers using them.
“This is part of an election commitment to invest in additional patrol, vans and general vehicles that will all be in service by November,” Tony Lupton said.
“Victoria Police members provided significant input into the vehicle design to ensure the new divisional vehicles meet the operational needs of today’s officers.”
The additional vans are part of the phased roll out of new Holden divisional vans across the state, replacing Victoria’s 160 existing vans and boosting the fleet by 20.
Some of the features of the new van include:
- Increased storage space for operational equipment
- Video monitoring and recording of detainees
- Two-way communication between front cabin and rear pod
- Video camera that automatically switches between pod monitoring and reverse camera when reverse gear is engaged
- Dampeners on pod doors to prevent detainees kicking doors open and injuring members
Tony Lupton said the Brumby Labor Government had worked in partnership with Victoria police and these new divisional vans were one of a range of measures to keep streets safe.
“The new Operational Response Unit made up of specially trained Victoria Police officers took to the streets last month to tackle street violence and carry out targeted operations,” he said.
“Tough new laws introduced last year give Victoria Police extra search and move on powers to help tackle street violence and weapon related violence in Melbourne’s CBD and nearby entertainment precincts such as Chapel Street.”
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