The fight against organised crime and corruption will be further strengthened with a $9.9 million funding injection for the Office of Police Integrity (OPI) and the Special Investigations Monitor (SIM) in the 2008-09 State Budget.
Police Minister Bob Cameron said part of the funding would go to the SIM to continue its work overseeing the use of telecommunication intercepts by Victoria Police and the OPI.
The SIM has oversight responsibilities over Victorian law enforcement agencies which use telecommunications interceptions and surveillance devices, such as listening, optical surveillance and tracking devices.
“Thanks to our Government delivering a record budget and 1400 more police since coming to office, Victoria Police has been able to increase its use of surveillance technology to capture criminals and crack down on organised crime,” Mr Cameron said.
Mr Cameron said part of the package would see witnesses called before the OPI having access to funding for legal representation costs.
“The OPI has coercive questioning powers, special confidentiality provisions and does not have to inform the witness why they’ve been called,” Mr Cameron said.
“There is also no finding of guilt at the end of any OPI proceeding and for these reasons no person appearing before the OPI should be disadvantaged because they cannot afford legal representation.
“The SIM, the OPI and the Chief Commissioner of Police have all requested this funding be made available.”
Mr Cameron said this initiative matched NSW where legal assistance is provided to police and civilians appearing before their Police Integrity Commission.
Part of the funding will also be used to finalise the split of the Director Police Integrity from the Ombudsman.
“The OPI has been a highly effective agency with investigations jointly with the Victoria Police Ethical Standards Department resulting in the laying of more than 100 charges against current and former members of Victoria Police,” Mr Cameron said.
The Brumby Labor Government has provided over $50 million to the OPI and Special Investigations Monitor to conduct their work since the offices were established.
