Victoria Police are to dramatically increase their presence in and around metropolitan Melbourne to ensure Victorians are following the most recent directions of the Chief Health Officer.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Lisa Neville and Chief Commissioner of Police Shane Patton to launch the expanded version of Operation Sentinel, which will see a highly visible police presence in and around the 32 Local Government Areas with Stage Three Stay at Home restrictions.
In a statement, Mr Andrews said Operation Sentinel would involve State-wide police resources including the Public Order Response Team, Mounted Branch, Highway Patrol and local police.
“Given the scale of the task, the Victorian Government has sought the assistance of the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Andrews said.
“This will see approximately 264 ADF members assisting with on-ground operations, focusing on staging areas, planning, logistics and transport,” he said.
“They will also play a key role in monitoring the boundary around metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.”
Mr Andrews said police would continue to make house visits and patrol public places all over the State to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
“Just as we increase our police presence, we’re also asking Victorians to follow restrictions and do the right thing,” he said.
“Victoria Police have undertaken 810 spot checks in the past 24 hours at homes, businesses and non-essential services across the state, and issued a total of 6,314 fines as part of Operation Sentinel,” he said.
He said anyone who breached the Chief Health Officer’s directives faced on-the-spot fines of $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses.
