Victoria Police

Victoria Police is the primary law enforcement agency of Victoria, Australia. It was formed in 1853.

As of 30 June 2015, Victoria Police has over 14,750 sworn members, along with 107 recruits in training, 4 reservists, 1,187 protective services officers and 2,928 civilian staff across 329 police stations. It has a running cost of some A$2.5bn.

Victoria Police enjoys one of the highest community confidence in the world, with more than 86.1% of Victorian residents feeling confident to contact the police. The general satisfaction is also high, with more than 76.9% of the Victorian residents satisfied with policing services in general.

History

Early history

The early settlers of Melbourne provided their own Police force and in 1840 there were 12 constables who were paid two shillings and nine pence per day and the chief constable was Mr. W (Tulip) Wright. Charles Brodie followed Wright as chief constable in 1842 and was succeeded by W. J. Sugden who held the positions of 'town chief constable' and superintendent of the local fire brigade. By 1847 there were Police in 'country centres' and the Melbourne force was composed of 'one chief officer, four sergeants, and 20 petty constables'. There was also 'a force of 28 mounted natives' enlisted and trained by DeVilliers and, later, Captain Pulteney Dana.