BILLBOARD campaign showing graphic violence inflicted on police officers - including a glassing injury - could be harmful to children, a leading psychologist said today.
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said the "shocking" images launched today as part of an ongoing push for police pay had “the potential to cause significant anxiety among children".
“They are very graphic and whilst I totally support the Police Association and their bid for a pay rise, let's be very clear about this - this is an adult discussion and we shouldn't drag children into it," Dr Carr-Gregg told news.com.au.
The images show the bloodied results of a policeman being bashed and a policewoman's injuries after being glassed while trying to stop a fight.
Dr Carr-Gregg said he did not believe the campaign should be banned, but called for the Victorian Police Association to ensure children were not exposed to the violent pictures.
The new numbers were promised by the Baillieu government in the lead-up to the state election as part of its tough-on-crime agenda, which included the promise to put two officers on every Melbourne station and some regional stations after 6 o'clock each night.
The plan has been criticised by the Greens and others on several fronts, including that the officers will be unnecessary at most stations because there is rarely crime at many of them. But Mr Lay told The Age that while stations were mostly safe, police research showed only about a third of passengers felt safe using the network at night.
''I've got a young daughter and there's something quite comforting for me [knowing] when my daughter gets off the train … she will see bright green vests and people in uniform there to protect the community,'' he said.
''Clearly their presence there will result in reduced levels of crime. The other important thing is people feel safer.
''This is an opportunity that we've never had before.
''Is it an effective use of resources? You bet it is.''
While Mr Lay's predecessor Simon Overland said the plan had his support, he questioned the length of training that the protective service officers were likely to receive, a move that put him at odds with the Baillieu minister Richard Dalla-Riva.
The first guards will enter a 12-week training course in November before being deployed about February.
About 93 are expected at stations by mid next year but only city and major inner-suburban stations will be guarded for the first few months.
Shadow police spokesman James Merlino said he was confident that the force would implement the government of the day's policies but problems remained with the planning, implementation and effects of the rollout.
Victoria Police is expected to publish details of the information sessions on its website within days.
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