Victoria Police will hire 11 specialist investigators to focus on force employees accused of perpetrating family violence.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
The organisation has formed the Employee Related Family Violence Investigation Team, which will be based within Professional Standards Command.
Six investigators began working for the unit this month, with another five to sign on by January.
The team will include nine specialist detectives and two witness support sergeants. They will investigate cases where the victim is a police employee, along with current and historic allegations against police.
Professional Standards Command Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said Victoria Police would not tolerate family violence perpetrated by employees.
"It's important for Victoria Police to develop expertise in dealing with employees who perpetrate family violence so victim-survivors feel safe, positive and supported when they make a report," she said.
Police said incidents of family violence involving Victoria Police members were treated as complaints against police.
As well as any criminal investigation, police perpetrators can expect disciplinary proceedings which could result in dismissal.
Australian Associated Press
