Protective services officers have this week returned to all stations across Melbourne’s rail network.
Their return comes two years after PSOs were deployed to assist with Victoria’s Covid-19 response.
Their value in getting passengers home safe was demonstrated only last month when PSOs at South Yarra Railway Station reunited a stranded five-year-old girl with her mum.
The little girl had been left on the platform when the train doors shut before her mum could get off.
The girl’s mum will today thank PSOs for their assistance.
A good Samaritan who saw what happened has been praised for raising the alarm.
With Victoria returning to normal from the worst of the global pandemic, PSOs this week returned to all 216 metropolitan train stations to detect and deter crime.
During the pandemic some PSOs were deployed to Covid-19 related duties including hotel quarantine, helping manage Victoria’s borders and patrols to boost the safety of businesses in commercial retail precincts.
PSOs retained a presence at major train stations with roving patrols between all others.
PSOs patrol platforms from 6pm until the last train seven days a week and across the weekend as part of the Night Network.
They are also based at four regional stations – Geelong, Ballarat, Traralgon and Bendigo.
More information about PSOs and safe travel tips can be found at: police.vic.gov.au/public-transport-safety
Quotes attributed to Acting Superintendent Craig Thompson, Transit Safety Division.
“With more people returning to the office and enjoying nights out in the city now is the time to have PSOs back at all stations.
“They will be doing what they do best – detecting and deterring crime to make sure people can travel with confidence.
“We know a PSO presence makes people feel safe and that is our top priority.
“Our members genuinely care about the community and we know they look forward to reconnecting with them.”
