General News
26 June, 2026
Survey opens for residents
Victoria Police are encouraging the community to have their say in the annual Community Sentiment Survey.
Victoria Police are encouraging the community to have their say to help guide future policing effort.
The annual Community Sentiment Survey forms part of the Neighbourhood Policing Framework, which helps police prioritise and focus on concerns within the community.
Local police are joining the wider force in encouraging the community to share their thoughts.
Acting Senior Sergeant Matthew Ormston said previous year’s data has guided their approach to policing locally.
“The more data we can capture over a period of time, we can really focus and narrow down on where we want to put our resources,” he said.
Last year, across the state, safety in public spaces alongside property and possession have remained the top two safety concerns since 2023.
Visible policing, including more foot patrols, emerged as the top theme which would make communities feel safer.
Acting Sen Sgt Ormston said this informed their approach over the past year.
“We’re trying to get out and do a lot more foot patrols so we’re in amongst the community,” he said.
“It’s about building those relationships between us and the community to make sure people feel comfortable ... to come and talk to us and report things to us because we want to help them at the end of the day.”
The consultation period, however, is soon closing with submissions ending on June 30.
“If we can get as many members of the community to jump onboard it would be fantastic. Their input is really valuable to us,” Acting Sen Sgt Ormston said.
Feedback will then be reviewed by Victoria Police with findings divided into local, divisional, regional and state-wide reports.
A summary of the results and “next steps” are shared at a statewide and localised level in September this year.
Find out more, and take part, at engage.vic.gov.au/vicpol-2026