CBD Policing Report Released
The Nightclub Owners Forum has released a report it commissioned from former Victoria Police Inspector, Matt Dillon on the effectiveness of policing in Melbourne’s CBD
According to prominent Melbourne nightclub owner, Peter Iwaniuk, the report is timely in view of the inquiry by Jack Rush QC into Victoria Police Command and the imminent appointment of a new Chief Commissioner.
“In fact, a copy of the report has been forwarded to Mr Rush to consider in addition to the submission already previously made by the Nightclub Owners Forum” said Mr Iwaniuk.
Mr Iwaniuk added “The report confirms what we already knew, namely that policing in the CBD could be better coordinated, has too many bureaucratic layers, is under resourced, and is inappropriately and unfairly targeting late night entertainment venues.
“In fact, the Dillon Report has identified that only a small percentage of crimes in the CBD occur in licensed premises. The majority of crimes occur in the external environment yet licensed premises can be targeted by up to 8 different units or task forces within Victoria Police or the Department of Justice on any given night.
“Late night entertainment venues can expect up to 6 walk-throughs every night by uniform police as well as overt and undercover visits by other task forces despite the fact that most police officers interviewed by Matt Dillon admitted that most venues were highly compliant and believed that this level of attention on licensed premises was ineffective and inefficient” Mr Iwaniuk stressed.
Other key findings of the Dillon Report were:
· Consumption of alcohol on trains, taxis, in party buses and in the street was prevalent and poorly policed despite the fact that significant penalties now apply. Mr Dillon called for a much more concerted campaign against ‘preloading’ and reduced trading hours for inner City bottle shops including licensed convenience stores.
· During the current work bans by Victoria Police at times only 60 – 80 uniform police were rostered on in the CBD at night on some weekends when it is commonly accepted that at least 200 police are required at nights on weekends. This had the potential to seriously compromise safety in the CBD streets.
· Police morale is low, police who were interviewed did not want to work in the CBD at night and communication with some senior officers could be improved when operational police are working on the street. Also licensed premises were clearly viewed as the ‘enemy’ and this resulted in unfair and technical targeting of patrons and venues, rather than addressing more serious problems in the street.
“We are hopeful that the Rush Enquiry and the new Chief Commissioner of Police will take heed of the current problems with policing of the CBD and introduce genuine reforms” stressed Mr Iwaniuk.
“Our late night entertainment industry needs the support of the Government, media and wider community. A healthy industry is vital to our social and economic well being.
“In today’s society to only put blame on the alcohol service provider is not sensible. Despite the best management arrangements, service providers can be tricked by customers with psychological issues, or malicious or criminal intent.
“The consumer must be made to take responsibility and face the consequences of their actions before any meaningful change in behaviour can be achieved. This is the basis on which the road safety campaign operates and why it has been so successful.
“Drinking in licensed premises requires a new social contract by patrons that they will not deliberately set out to get drunk and become a burden on licensees and the police.
“We need to teach individuals to make educated decisions regarding their alcohol consumption before they enter a licensed venue, and they must be held accountable for their behavior in public places, including illegal drinking in the streets and on public transport.
“We look forward to constructive, well informed discussions with the Baillieu Government, the Lord Mayor and Victoria Police on making Melbourne an even more safe and vibrant 24 international City, with more informed field research and action on important social and economic issues” concluded Mr Iwaniuk.
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