In a shocking move, Victoria’s top cop, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, has stepped down from his role just days after his workforce expressed a lack of confidence in his leadership.
This development comes after a dramatic week that saw a majority of police officers voting against him in a no-confidence ballot.
The Fallout: What Led to the Resignation
The trouble started when the Police Association of Victoria held an online ballot, where more than 87% of its members (12,600 out of 14,571) said they didn’t have confidence in Patton’s ability to lead and manage Victoria Police in the future.
This was a major blow to the chief commissioner, who had initially vowed to stay on despite the union’s vote.
A New Era for Victoria Police
With Patton’s resignation, the Victorian government will now start the process of recruiting a new police boss.
In the meantime, Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam AM will take over as the temporary leader, while Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent will also provide support. Premier Jacinta Allan thanked Patton for his decades of service and leadership, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Patton’s Legacy
Patton had been with Victoria Police for over 45 years, starting as a police cadet in 1978. He had led the force through significant challenges, including the pandemic.
His contract was set to expire in mid-2025, but his resignation brings an end to his tenure sooner than expected.
In his parting statement, Patton expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, and the Victorian community for their support and the privilege of serving them.
What’s Next for Victoria Police?
The search for a new police boss begins, but the force is still grappling with the issue of a new pay deal.
The negotiations have been ongoing for over a year, with multiple stop-work actions and a rejected deal.
A revised pay deal is set to be put to a members’ vote, and the new leadership will have to navigate this challenging situation.