Second top cop ousted: No contract renewal for deputy commissioner

“This past year has seen a significant rise in crime to record high levels. Our hard-working police officers have never arrested more people or helped more victims, a very sad reality,” he wrote.

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“Policing is only a part of the justice system, and in effect, the justice system requires strong legislation and appropriate accountability in the courts.

“Police own the piece in the middle; they enforce the legislation provided by governments and front offenders before the court.”

Paterson has been responsible for the force’s regional operations portfolio, which covers policing across all metropolitan and regional divisions.

He joined Victoria Police in 1988 and later worked as chief of staff for then-chief commissioner Graham Ashton from 2015.

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He has also more recently been recognised for his work in developing a more inclusive workforce for LGBTQ members.

Last year it was revealed Paterson was being investigated by the state’s anti-corruption commission over a road rage incident during school pick-up at Haileybury College on July 24, which was witnessed by parents, teachers and students outside the school’s city campus.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission confirmed it was investigating whether the deputy commissioner misused his position and authority during a verbal altercation and subsequent correspondence with a school parent.

Paterson defended his conduct, and told The Age at the time it was the parent who was agitated, and that he acted professionally throughout.

Paterson has taken immediate leave and will finish up with Victoria Police in July.

In a statement, Nugent thanked Paterson for his 37 years of service to Victoria Police.

He said the deputy commissioner had been a strong advocate of many issues and dedicated much of his life to policing.

Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged Paterson’s “significant period of dedicated service”.

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“We thank him for his service,” she said.

“It is absolutely clear that we are entering a period of transition for Victoria Police, and we’ll continue to work and support the Victoria Police, as we have done, in providing them with the tools and the resources and the powers and the support they need that they do in turn to keep our community safe.”

Asked whether it was the government or the acting commissioner’s decision not to renew Paterson’s contract, Allan said she would not detail discussions.

She said it was an “unnecessary hypothetical piece of speculation” whether any other deputy commissioners would not have their contracts renewed.

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Opposition police spokesman David Southwick said Paterson’s ousting demonstrated the government had continued the blame game for rising crime.

“The Allan Labor government is using some of Victoria Police’s most senior and experienced executive officers as scapegoats for the crime crisis their own mismanagement has created,” he said.

“This worsening leadership crisis will do nothing to reopen the 43 stations closed across the state; fill the 1000 frontline vacancies; end Labor’s cycle of offend, arrest, bail, repeat; or equip police with the powers they need to keep Victorians safe.”

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