Victorian hospitality venues will now be able to opt into providing live CCTV feeds directly to police, giving authorities enhanced real-time vision of venues following a spike in violent attacks.
“These attacks are driven by gutless thugs exploiting young people. Victoria Police is working tirelessly to find these criminals – and they won’t rest until they do,” said Police Minister, Anthony Carbines.
The Victorian Government has confirmed it will invest $5 million to boost tech in the Police State Command and Coordination Centre to deliver the new real-time coverage.
The Centre, located at Victoria Police Headquarters, is staffed 24-hours-a-day and is currently deployed to support Operation Eclipse.
“We’re backing Victoria Police with more resources and getting more of them out on the streets,” the Minister said.
The Government has also committed to establish a $10 million Hospitality Security Fund to help eligible venues upgrade their security. This will support upgrades like modern CCTV, security doors, alarms and fire suppression.
“This new package is another way that we’re supporting businesses with safety measures – while Victoria Police are on the case,” said Minister for Small and Family Business, Natalie Suleyman.
An expert from the Violence Reduction Unit will also be embedded in the State Command and Coordination Centre. They will work to disrupt the grooming and exploitation of young people being targeted by crime syndicates.
