The Andrews Labor Government today announced that Protective Services Officers (PSOs) will be given new powers to target anti-social behaviour and crime, with legislation being introduced into Parliament this week.

PSOs will be given a range of additional powers including the power to arrest a person who has breached their parole, conduct searches for illicit drugs, and request names and addresses from people who witness crime.

PSOs will also be able to respond to incidents in and around the train station they are patrolling.

This forms part of the government’s $2 billion Community Safety Statement, which includes funding for an additional 100 mobile PSOs who will be rolled out across the public transport network.

Quotes attributable to the Member for Werribee Tim Pallas:

“PSOs have become a reassuring sight at Wyndham’s railway stations.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is doing everything we can to keep Wyndham commuters safe.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Tarneit Telmo Languiller:

 “PSOs are eager to assist the public when an incident is happening near their station.”

“These additional powers will allow them to do this- keeping commuters in Wyndham safe.”