Reception hours slashed at police stations in Melbourne's outer-north
Victoria Police is reducing reception hours at several police stations in Melbourne's outer north to increase frontline policing. The changes will affect stations in Mernda, Mill Park, Whittlesea, and Epping, with some reception counters open only two days a week. Critics argue that this decision reflects a staffing crisis within the police force, while the government maintains that it supports the operational decision to allocate more officers to patrol duties.
- ▪Reception hours will be reduced at police stations in Mernda, Mill Park, Whittlesea, and Epping starting this weekend.
- ▪Victoria Police claims this will allow for more police on the road and does not affect their 24/7 response capability.
- ▪The Police Association has criticized the decision, citing a severe lack of police in Victoria.
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Reception hours slashed at police stations in Melbourne's outer-northBy suburbs reporter Margaret PaulTopic:PoliceWed 27 May 2026 at 5:22amWed 27 May 2026 at 5:22amWed 27 May 2026 at 5:22amVictoria Police says the reduction in reception staffing will allow for more frontline policing. (ABC News: Margaret Burin )In short:Reception hours will be reduced at police stations in Mernda, Mill Park, Whittlesea and Epping in Melbourne's outer north from this weekend.Victoria Police has defended the decision, arguing the move will mean more police on the road.The Police Association and Victorian opposition have criticised the decision.abc.net.au/news/reception-hours-slashed-at-suburban-police-stations-melbourne/106724456Link copiedShareShare articleVictoria Police is defending a decision to cut the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).