Police Association up in arms over trial for officers to provide public with receipts whenever they cross paths

Secretary Ron Iddles said the initiative was a time-waster for police who were already under pressure.

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From Monday until December 31, police and PSOs will issue receipts when a person is asked to provide their details, but no law enforcement outcome, such as the issuing of a fine, is recorded.

The initiative will mean community members will have a written record of the police contact if they wish to follow up the interaction, and comes in response to allegations of racial profiling by police members.

Mr Iddles said the trial was “devoid of merit”.

He said adding more regulation to members’ day-to-day tasks could deter police from engaging with the public as often as they normally would.

“We’re all accustomed to workers in shops issuing receipts to their customers, now it seems the practice will extend to police members,” he said.

“The trial smacks of a desperate attempt by Victoria Police to appease community groups not known for their affection for police.

“In the meantime, commonsense policing is once again expected to take a back seat.

“Our frontline members are stretched enough as it is without having to add an even greater burden to their day-to-day job.

“Issuing receipts is the last thing they need in today’s under-resourced environment in Victoria Police.”

Greater Dandenong Inspector Bruce Kitchen said he was willing to try any pilot that promoted trust, and could lead to sharing of information.

“This process will help us ensure that our contacts are appropriate and accountable; and strengthen trust and transparency.”

Acting Deputy Commissioner Jack Blayney said the program was developed in response to perceptions that police stopped some people more than others.

The data will be analysed at the end of the trial on December 31.