Safety and security for Melbourne’s traders, residents and visitors will be ramped up, with new 24/7 City Safety Officers (CSOs) set to be rolled out across Melbourne’s crime hotspots and high-traffic areas, if Lord Mayor Nick Reece is re-elected.
The initiative is designed to tackle crime and improve public safety, with a particular focus on key areas such as the Elizabeth Street precinct.
The new 30-person strong City Safety Officer Team will be a highly visible presence on Melbourne’s streets, providing round-the-clock patrols and a dedicated hotline for residents, traders, and visitors to report safety issues.
They will wear Kevlar vests and have body cams to ensure that any illegal activity is captured on film and can be used in court. They will also be trained in managing hostile situations and be on the streets during Melbourne’s major events and festivals, such as the New Years’ Eve fireworks and Moomba.
The team will work closely with Victoria Police, ensuring that any serious incidents are quickly and effectively addressed. They will also work closely with other City of Melbourne Authorised Officers to enforce Local Laws.
We want a Melbourne where everyone can feel safer and even more secure, whether they are running a business, enjoying the city’s amenities, or simply going about their daily lives.
The City Safety Officer Team initiative includes:
- 24/7 Patrols: Uniformed CSOs will regularly patrol the City’s central areas, including Elizabeth Street, Southbank, and Docklands, ensuring a constant safety presence.
- Dedicated Hotline: A new hotline and online portal will be established for residents and traders to report safety concerns directly to City Safety Officers and the Safe City Control room, which helps spot and track incidents across the city when they happen.
- Collaboration with Victoria Police: While the team will enforce City of Melbourne’s Local Laws, they will also have a direct line to Victoria Police to handle more serious criminal activities.
CSOs will initially focus on the central city, including high-traffic areas like Elizabeth Street, Southbank, and Docklands, with the potential for a future expansion to other neighbourhoods.
This investment builds on other policies that are aimed at keeping Melbourne safe, including expanding the Safe City Camera Network and improving lighting across the city.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Nick Reece:
“A Melbourne that is as safe and secure as possible is the foundation of a thriving city.”
“Traders, especially in hot spot areas like Elizabeth Street, want to know that the City of Melbourne is doing everything it can to reduce criminal and other anti-social behaviour.”
“City Safety Officers will be a highly visible and responsive presence on the streets, especially on weekends, at nighttime, and during major events and festivals – they will work hand-in-glove with Victoria Police to help ensure that Melbourne remains a safe and welcoming place for all.”
Quotes attributable to Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor Candidate Roshena Campbell:
“We are serious about deterring crime and ensuring every resident, trader and visitor feels safe.”
“Our local businesses are the backbone of Melbourne’s economy, and their success depends on a safe and secure environment.”
“The City Safety Officer Team will help give them the confidence to thrive, knowing that their safety and security is our top priority.”