PSOs start at Laburnum station

Commuters using Laburnum station can now feel safer travelling at night, with Protective Services Officers beginning patrols at Laburnum from today.

The PSOs will patrol the station platforms, car parks and immediate surrounds.

Member for Box Hill Robert Clark said six out of seven train stations in the electorate are now protected by PSOs.

“PSOs are helping to prevent anti-social behaviour, property damage, violence and alcohol and transport-related crime on our rail network,” Mr Clark said.

“The Napthine Government has increased its initial commitment to deliver 940 PSOs on train stations by adding a further 96 to the program.

“The government’s investment in police and PSOs is the single largest law and order recruitment exercise in Victoria’s history.”

An independent survey of train passengers shows PSOs have received almost universal approval, with 94 per cent agreeing they were a good idea, 94 per cent reporting to have seen PSOs on patrol and 93 per cent stating that they would seek help from them if they felt unsafe.

PSOs will be deployed to 212 metropolitan railway stations as well as four major regional stations.

After this week’s deployment, Victoria will have 909 PSOs patrolling 156 stations.

PSOs complete a 12-week course that includes the same operational tactics and safety training undertaken by Victoria Police officers.

Newly-graduated PSOs are mentored by experienced PSOs at city loop rail stations for three months.

“Since deployments began in February 2012, PSOs have issued more than 29,000 infringement notices for offences including being drunk, engaging in disorderly behaviour, carrying weapons and graffiti,” Mr Clark said.

“Of these, more than 1,700 infringements were for being drunk in a public place or being drunk and disorderly with 3,500 involving ticketing offences and more than 22,000 transport offences.”

Since December 2010, a record $120 million has been invested in building and upgrading facilities across the state, generating hundreds of jobs in building, construction and related industries.