Alyssa Fritzlaff
Victoria Police have announced their plans for New Year’s Eve.
Police will be maintaining a strong, highly visible presence across the state as people everywhere welcome in 2022.
Thousands of police are set to patrol Melbourne’s CBD, regional areas and key holiday destinations, aiming to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable evening.
Protective services officers (PSOs) will be out patrolling public transport. Their presence will extend to Traralgon, Bendigo, Ballarat, Frankston and Geelong.
Victoria’s roads will also be a focus of police on New Year’s Eve, with officers playing particular attention to drug and drunk driving. Alcohol and drug testing vehicles will be set up in key locations on New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day.
“Victorians have shown how resilient they are this year, and we look forward to safely bringing in the new year with the community in our cities, towns and popular holiday destinations,” said Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent.
“There will be a strong and dedicated police presence right across the state to ensure celebrations are kept safe and people who make it unsafe, or harm others are held to account”.
“Everyone needs to be aware of their own personal responsibility to look after themselves and others this New Year’s Eve. We know excessive drinking and use of illicit drugs can lead to devastating consequences including violent crime, serious assault, anti-social behaviour and road trauma,” he said.
Other branches of the police force will be on hand to support frontline officers, including the the Air Wing, Dog Squad, Public Orders Response Team, Mounted Branch and Water Police.
Illegal fireworks are a focus as well, with police warning the community that such activity poses a real risk of serious injury and fire. People caught using illegal fireworks can face up to 15 years’ jail and substantial fines.
