By Alesha Capone
Victoria Police has moved to reassure the public that Wyndham’s Criminal Investigation Unit is fully staffed, after a decision to re-advertise eight vacant positions created by internal transfers last year.
Eight Detective Senior Constable positions were recently advertised in Wyndham, but Victoria Police decided to “to readvertise the positions based on a number of factors” while the recruitment process was under way.
Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said the people chosen for the eight detective positions would play an “integral role” in the community, investigating serious local crimes including sexual assaults, burglaries, and robberies.
“This is why we are committed to having the best possible candidates in these positions who can bring a wide range of insights and strengthen our capability to protect and best support victims of all ages, sexes, and backgrounds,” he said.
“We are very proud to be able to serve Victoria’s incredibly diverse community, and our goal is to ensure this is reflected by continuing to create a more modern and inclusive Victoria Police workforce.”
A statement from Victoria Police also said there was “no gap in staffing the current vacant Detective Senior Constable positions” in Wyndham.
“While the positions are advertised, they are being filled by other officers on assignment duties,” the statement said.
The statement also said that Victoria Police “has been working hard to address the barriers that have impeded some people, particularly women, from progressing their careers – such as enhanced flexible working arrangements and improved access to training and development, and we have seen greater diversity in applicants as a result of this work”.
“It is clear that a more modern and inclusive workforce creates a more innovative environment, and better reflects the entire community of Victoria who we serve.
“Victoria Police does not have gender quotas for positions, and we do not drop our selection standards to increase the diversity in our organisation.”
The number of criminal offences recorded in Wyndham increased by 9.1 per cent last year.
Data released by the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency last month showed there were 18,284 offences reported to police in Wyndham during 2020 (compared to 16,761 offences in 2019).
