By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
POLICE morale has waned due to a delay in protective screens being installed at Endeavour Hills and Narre Warren stations, claims Police Association Victoria secretary Ron Iddles.
Mr Iddles said “our members in the Casey area will no doubt feel much safer in their workplace” when the screens go in, given the fateful Numan Haider shooting at Endeavour Hills station last September.
On 23 September 2014, Haider allegedly stabbed two police officers outside the station and was fatally shot by one of the officers.
The incident is being investigated by the State Coroner.
“The long period of time it’s taking to have protective screens installed is having an adverse effect on morale among officers in Casey.
“This is not a difficult task and should have been done months ago.”
Mr Iddles said police remained on a “heightened state of alert” since the shooting – fully kitted up with operational equipment inside and outside of police stations.
“This just adds to the stress of the job for our members in Casey who are further burdened by the extraordinarily high rate of family violence and youth crime they have to deal with in an under-resourced environment.”
Victoria Police’s Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told 3AW yesterday that Endeavour Hills station’s security upgrade was expected in the “next few weeks”.
Chief Comm Ashton said the security review of stations began after the “Anzac Day event” – an alleged foiled terror plot targeting police at a Dandenong Anzac Day service this year.
He said he’d asked for Endeavour Hills station to be put at the “top of the priority list” when he came to the police’s top job in July.
“We’ve got to strike a balance. We’ve got to ensure our police members are protected … but now’s the time the community has to see us the most.”
A State Government spokesman said Chief Comm Ashton directed the “specific allocation” of police resources “in line with long-standing practice”.
“The government will continue to work with Victoria Police to ensure they have the resources they need to keep Victoria safe.”
