VicPol Corporate
Film and TV services

Local and international film and television productions can liaise with the specialist Film and Television Office within Victoria Police.

The Film and Television Office acts as a coordination service on productions in consultative, liaising and supervisory capacities.

Our services

The Victoria Police Film and Television Office caters to:

The Film and Television Office provides a range of services, and offers both on- and off-set assistance and expertise.

We provide clients with helpful and relevant police advice and resources, while minimising any potential risks, hazards and legal complications.

The Film and Television Office is a unit within the Media, Communications and Engagement Department. We operate Monday to Friday, and are staffed by Victoria Police members and Victorian Public Service employees.

Notification of filming

Notifying Victoria Police is important when your filming activity may be seen or heard by members of the public and filming involves:

  • the use of firearms (real or imitation), weapons or special effects like explosives, flames, smoke, mock car accidents
  • the use of private traffic management on major roads
  • any activity that may cause public concern including violence (physical or verbal), mock police, military activity, large crowds, etc.
  • use of remote piloted aircraft (drones) over public places.

Notifying the police will reduce the likelihood of unnecessary calls for police assistance.

Notification forms

The form must be opened in the latest version of Adobe. You will not be able to complete the form correctly in a web browser.

Please send the completed form to film.tv@police.vic.gov.au and allow two business days for processing.

Notification limitations

Notification will only be distributed to relevant parties within Victoria Police. This includes Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA)External Link .

It is recommended that you notify other relevant agencies such as Fire Rescue VictoriaExternal Link , the Country Fire AuthorityExternal Link and Ambulance VictoriaExternal Link .

Providing a notification is in no way an approval of your filming activity. You must contact the relevant land/road management authority for approval for your filming activity.

Traffic management

Using specialist filming vehicles

Multi-lane or single-lane film escorts of 'specialist filming vehicles' (such as tracking and/or low loaders) within contained and non-contained film locations are considered high risk. Under Victorian law, these vehicles can only be used when escorted by Victoria Police.

Specialist filming vehicles comprising of tracking and/or low loader vehicles have conditions imposed on their operation by VicRoads. These conditions form part of the registration by which these vehicles operate.

VicRoadsExternal Link requires that any road closure or traffic containment be authorised and controlled by Victoria Police. A police escort is required where a specialist filming vehicle is used in a 'contained' and 'non-contained' site on a public road.

A 'contained site' is a road or site that is contained for the filming activity at the exclusion of ordinary vehicular traffic.

A 'non-contained site' describes the use of a specialist filming vehicle in a situation where ordinary vehicular traffic has not been excluded.

The Film and Television Office prepares the Police Operation Order (traffic management plan) that the production company must submit to the relevant road authority for a 'non-road activity permit' to be issued.

A 'non-road activity' in accordance with the Road Safety Act 1986, Section 99B means any activity to be conducted on a road which will significantly interfere with the normal use of a road-by-road users. A non-road activity must be authorised by a permit from the relevant road authority, which can be subject to terms, conditions and limitations which the road authority considers appropriate.

For example, a non-road activity would include the use of a road for the shooting of a film, a bicycle event, a street festival or a street market.

For information regarding the following please download the Specialist Filming Vehicles and Police Role document below:

  • police requirements
  • timeframes
  • applicable fees and charges for administration
  • police operation orders
  • police resources
  • cancellation fees.

Apply for police resources

To make an application for Victoria Police resources for 'contained' and 'non-contained' sites (see above for definitions), download the application form.

The form must be opened and saved as a PDF before you fill in your details.

Please email film.tv@police.vic.gov.au your completed application form.

Please forward your notification at least 28 business days (Monday to Friday) before your filming period commences.

Rates

The following rates apply to all hires for filming events as of 1 July 2023.

For a full list of the services and fees we provide, download the Current Fees and Charges document:

Police officer assistance

The hourly rates for police assistance with traffic management, on-set supervision/appearance and other operational duties are as follows:

  • Officer: $184.40 per hour
  • Sub-officer (sergeant or senior sergeant): $138.30 per hour
  • Other ranks (constable or senior constable): $107.10 per hour.

A minimum four-hour call-out fee applies for each police officer required.

Police vehicle hire

The hourly rates for hiring a police vehicle for filming events are as follows:

  • Police motor car (including one crew): $122.40 per hour.

Uniform hire

The Film and TV office provides past and present Victoria Police uniform hire for film and theatrical productions.

For more information about hiring and to apply, visit our Police Uniform Hire page.

Research assistance

Film and television programs concerning police and forensic investigation are extremely popular.

Victoria Police offers specialist research assistance that includes checking scripts and providing advice on props and uniforms.

Common research enquiries include:

  • criminal and forensic investigation
  • crime scenes
  • conducting searches
  • surveillance
  • court procedure.

Please email film.tv@police.vic.gov.au with your application for research assistance. You will need to include:

  • a synopsis of your production
  • your specific research questions or scenarios.

Rates for research assistance

The following rates apply to all police assistance for research as of 1 July 2023.

For a full list of the services and fees we provide, download the Current fees and charges document.

The hourly rates for police assistance with research are as follows:

  • Officer: $184.40 per hour
  • Sub-officer (sergeant or senior sergeant): $138.30 per hour
  • Other ranks (constable or senior constable): $107.10 per hour

Contact us

For more information regarding the services available for hire, email us at film.tv@police.vic.gov.au.

Reviewed 16 January 2024

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