Force’s ill-conceived SOCAU instruction thwarted

The Police Association is pleased to announce its success in preventing a bid by the Force to impose an ill-conceived and highly questionable uniform policy on SOCAU members.

The Victoria Police Force had informed SOCAU members that of 1 March 2008, they would be required to wear a Victoria Police uniform. This instruction was given to SOCAU members despite the fact that members traditionally wear plain clothes in order to best assist the abused victims they deal with on a day-to-day basis. 

The Force’s instruction was viewed with a high level of scepticism by members and The Police Association for a number of reasons;

Concealing the resourcing issue:

The Force is coming under increasing public pressure to deliver police back to the community. Wearing a uniform gives the impression to the public that there is a greater police presence on the street - another band-aid solution to the worsening resourcing issue. 

Penny-pinching:

The Force does not need to pay these members a civilian clothing allowance when they’re in uniform.

The Police Association has written to the Force regarding this issue and the Force has subsequently withdrawn its instruction to SOCAU members.

However, while the instruction has been put on hold, the Force has advised that further consultation will occur and requested that affected SOCAU members submit their views.

In order to submit a cohesive response, we encourage members to direct their submissions to their local delegate. The Police Association will co-ordinate your submissions and provide the Force with your collective response.

Bruce McKenzie