Mike Bush, the new Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, has acknowledged the state’s growing youth crime problem and is committed to enhancing public trust in the police force. During an interview with 9News, Bush, who previously served as the Chief Commissioner of New Zealand Police, discussed his plans to improve recruitment processes to counteract the declining number of officers on the streets. He emphasised the importance of efficiently recruiting capable individuals to prevent delays in the hiring process.
With 42 years of policing experience, including a tenure in New Zealand where he implemented a prevention model that successfully reduced crime rates by 20%, Bush aims to address significant issues within Victoria, particularly youth and organised crime. He expressed concern about the unfortunate reality of incarcerating young people, stating it’s a tragedy no one wants to see, yet the safety of the community must be a priority. Bush stressed that this requires decisive actions, including both immediate and preventative measures, to ensure youth understand the consequences of their actions.
In his vision for Victoria Police, Bush plans to introduce modern technology and methodologies previously successful in New Zealand, avoiding the need to develop new systems from scratch. He stated, “They’re gonna let us have everything they’ve got,” reflecting a desire to leverage existing successful strategies and tools.
Additionally, Bush has set a target to boost public confidence in the police force to at least 80%. He believes that this goal is essential for restoring faith in law enforcement and addressing the underlying issues related to crime in Victoria. Through these initiatives, Bush aims to not only combat youth crime but also create a safer community for all residents.