Police Stations Cut Hours Amid Controversy

Starting this weekend, police stations in Mernda, Mill Park, Whittlesea, and Epping are slashing reception hours — but officers will still be patrolling the streets. Victoria Police says this move frees up staff for frontline duties, improving response times. Critics, including the Police Association and opposition leaders, slam it as proof of a crippling officer shortage, arguing the public deserves 24/7 access. The change follows a deadly March incident at Mernda station, with opposition promising to restore full hours and hire more officers if elected. The Premier insists Victoria already has the nation’s largest police force and this is a smart, government-backed efficiency move. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7be5f31e52ba4686