New police hotline to create 200 jobs in Ballarat, take load off triple zero
The operator of Victoria’s first police assistance line has been confirmed, with 200 jobs to be created at a Ballarat call centre.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said Serco Citizen Services would set up and run the $210 million hotline, which would allow triple zero to be reserved for crimes that require an urgent response.
“This will give all Victorians – no matter where they live – another way to report crime, suspicious behaviour or make general policing inquiries to keep communities safe,” Ms Neville said.
“We’re another step closer to delivering a world-class police and emergencies services hub in Ballarat, which will support hundreds of jobs and drive investment in the region.”
Under the new system, calls to the police assistance line will be answered and triaged by a contact centre.
This will be run by staff and 32 police officers, who will take reports of such non-life threatening concerns as theft, property damage, neighbourhood disputes, noise complaints and party registrations.
The creation of the hotline brings Victoria into line with all other states and territories.
An online portal will also be available for the reporting of non-urgent crime.
Both services are set to begin operating by the turn of the year.
Serco Citizen Services was awarded a $53.75 million pilot federal government contract last year to help reduce Centrelink call wait times.