Shane Patton, the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, has announced his decision to step away from his role effective immediately. He expressed pride in his over 45 years of service to the community as a police officer and stated that he believed it was the right time to allow fresh leadership in the role. He thanked the Victorian community for the privilege of serving them, as well as all the employees of Victoria Police who work tirelessly to keep the community safe. Patton also expressed gratitude towards his family and friends for their support throughout his career.
In response to Patton’s decision, Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Allan praised his commitment and leadership, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She thanked Patton for his long and decorated service to Victoria Police and announced that Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam AM would lead the organisation until Rick Nugent assumes the role. Allan emphasized her support for the work that police officers do and her confidence in their abilities to continue serving the community effectively.
Patton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Victoria Police, describing it as a privilege that few people experience. He reflected on the rewarding and challenging nature of policing, as well as the sense of camaraderie and support within the organization. Patton acknowledged the strong community support for Victoria Police and highlighted the contributions of organizations such as Victoria Police Legacy, the Blue Ribbon Foundation, Blue Light Victoria, and Police Veterans Victoria in supporting and empowering police employees.
The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, provided updates on significant events such as the torching of the Adass Israel Synagogue in December. She expressed appreciation for Shane Patton’s leadership during challenging times and extended thanks to Wendy Steendam AM for agreeing to lead the organization temporarily. Allan reaffirmed her support for the work of police officers and emphasized her commitment to backing them in their efforts to ensure community safety. She acknowledged the dedication of the executive command team and thanked them for their commitment to their roles.
Overall, the decision of Chief Commissioner Shane Patton to step away from his role at Victoria Police was met with gratitude and support from government officials and the community. Patton expressed pride in his service and appreciation for the opportunity to lead the organization. Minister Lisa Allan commended his leadership and announced interim arrangements for leadership within Victoria Police. The Premier highlighted the challenges faced by the organization and expressed confidence in the ability of police officers to continue serving the community effectively. The support of various organizations and the strong community backing for Victoria Police were also emphasized.
