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2 clusters · 5 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Victorian security officer deployment initiatives

Overview

In Victoria, authorities and political groups are utilizing Protective Services Officers (PSOs) to address rising crime and violence in specific sectors.

The Victorian Coalition proposed a two-year pilot program to deploy 70 PSOs across seven major hospitals to combat occupational violence against healthcare workers. This proposal followed reports of approximately 24,000 to 25,000 incidents of violence occurring during 2024-25. The plan faced criticism for a lack of consultation with health facilities and police.

Separately, Premier Ben Carroll announced an escalation in the crackdown on retail crime by appointing 150 additional PSOs to major shopping centres and retail hubs. This initiative is part of ‘Operation Pulse’, a program launched in December 2025 that has led to over 1,700 arrests. The move follows reports from the Australian Retail Council indicating that Victoria experiences roughly 100 violent retail crime events daily.

Entities

Northern Health · Georgie Crozier · Jess Wilson · Anthony Carbines · Victorian Coalition

Timeline

  1. about 17 hours ago

    [CRIME] 3 sources
    Victoria increases retail crime crackdown with 150 new officers

    Victorian Premier Ben Carroll is deploying 150 additional Protective Services Officers to combat retail crime as part of Operation Pulse, following reports of rising violent incidents in shopping centres.

  2. 5 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Victorian Coalition proposes hospital security pilot

    The Victorian Coalition has pledged to station 70 Protective Services Officers at seven major hospitals to combat rising workplace violence, though critics cite a lack of consultation with health services.

Sources

insideretail.com.au · insidesmallbusiness.com.au · perthnow.com.au · theage.com.au · theindiansun.com.au