Victoria Police Chief Shane Patton resigns after no-confidence vote

Victoria's Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has resigned following an unprecedented no-confidence vote from police officers, with over 87% of the 14,571 participants expressing doubts about his ability to lead the force. The vote was seen as a clear signal for a leadership change, as Patton had faced significant criticism over ongoing youth crime issues and a protracted pay dispute that has led to numerous stop-work actions. Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged Patton's service but emphasized the need for fresh leadership to address the concerns of the police force. Opposition leaders have warned that simply changing leadership will not resolve deeper systemic issues affecting law enforcement in the state. Following Patton's resignation, Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent is expected to step in temporarily until a permanent replacement is chosen. The situation reflects broader unrest within Victoria Police, exacerbated by stagnation in officer numbers and challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.