Keeping You Safe: Victoria Police Strategy 2023-2028

Foreword by the Chief Commissioner

The last 20 years have brought significant social, behavioural and technological change and we understand the pace of change is forecast to increase.

New crimes and new ways of committing crimes will need us to adapt our skills, systems and efforts, in an ever-changing, dynamic environment. As society moves and changes, we need to adapt and evolve to respond effectively. We need to listen to the people of Victoria and adjust our services to ensure we meet their expectations.

Our mission is to keep you safe. This strategy outlines how we will deliver this mission.

We will work in purposeful and accountable partnerships with vulnerable groups, local communities, government and non-government organisations, justice, private sector and other law enforcement agencies, in ways aligned to our vision and consistent with our strategy. Connections need to be developed, strengthened, maintained, invested in and measured. We know that building strong partnerships, founded on strong community trust and confidence, will help us innovate and achieve our mission.

We aim to have a safe and well-supported workforce that is cohesive, efficient and engaged, able to adapt to rapidly changing community safety needs and equipped to do their job in an ever-evolving operating environment.

Victoria is a proudly diverse state and how we engage, connect and build trust with our diverse community is critical. We want to really understand what our community needs. We will do this by talking and engaging with our community to inform, raise awareness and improve collaboration and transparency.

It is a key priority to build greater trust and stronger relationships between Aboriginal people and Victoria Police, in line with the commitments we have made through the Yoorrook Justice Commission. We will focus on continuing to build strong community trust, confidence and connection.

As we look ahead to the next five years, our focus on community safety is unwavering. We will focus on delivering exceptional services, inspiring and equipping our people to be their best and working together with our partners to create a safe community.

Our ask of you, as a member of our community, as part of our workforce or as a partner we work with, is to work with us to help us realise this mission.

Shane Patton APM
Chief Commissioner