Protective Services Officers will begin earlier shifts, expand their patrol areas and increase their presence across Melbourne’s train network from today, under a new Victoria Police deployment model.
The changes will see PSOs start as early as 9am at key stations, rather than the traditional evening start, with officers also moving beyond platforms to patrol trains and surrounding areas. The shift is designed to respond to changing crime patterns and improve visibility across the network.
From day one, PSOs will patrol 32 metro stations from 9am until last service, while a broader rollout will cover 73 metro stations and four regional stations from 5pm. In addition, mobile patrols will operate across 119 metro stations each evening, ensuring officers are moving rather than staying fixed in one location.
The update is part of a $44 million state budget allocation to recruit 50 additional PSOs, aimed at strengthening frontline coverage and supporting the new approach.
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said the changes are driven by data rather than routine.
“PSOs will be located where they’re needed, when they’re needed, based on real police intelligence.”
The revised model moves away from static deployments, with a focus on flexibility and broader coverage across stations and trains.
“No station is losing PSOs – what’s changing is how they work, with constant mobile patrols to cover more places, more often.”
Victoria Police says the approach is intended to detect and deter crime earlier in the day, while maintaining a visible presence into the evening.
Details on station coverage and patrol times are available at police.vic.gov.au/public-transport-safety.
