A RETIRED Senior Sergeant has alleged Sorrento Police Station has had all resources removed and has not been fully operational for 18 months.
Malcolm Davey, who was formerly the officer-in-charge at Sorrento and Rye Police Stations, said he believes the station has been out of use for a year and a half.
“They’re probably saying it’s still operational, but for all intents and purposes, the recording equipment for interviews and things has all been removed,” said Davey.
“That means it’s not being used and it’s not fully operational.”
Davey said the station still appears operational, and the local community has not been made aware of its status.
“The two flags are still flying at the front; they leave them up 24 hours a day, and they’ve got an intercom at the front door,” said Davey.
“I went down there; you can’t see through the windows because they’ve got reflective film on it, but it gives the appearance it’s just not attended today, when it’s not attended at all.”
Davey said he believes there aren’t enough staff to man all stations.
“You need experienced people down there; experienced Constables or Senior Constables to man those stations,” said Davey.
He expressed concerns about police accessibility and availability in the area if the station isn’t manned.
“Once weekends come and Christmas and Easter, you’ve got hell on Earth getting down to Portsea, Blairgowrie, and Sorrento,” said Davey.
“There’s violent domestic assaults, brawls at hotels, all the rest of it, and you’ve got to take note that they’ve still got an ambulance service down there and a CFA service but no police service.”
Davey said there are three major licensed premises in Sorrento and invariably there will be alcohol related incidents, including underage drinking.
“They’d have to wait for Rye or Rosebud, and it’s just not feasible,” said Davey.
Davey said the community should be aware of the status of the station.
“If there’s no public outcry, you’re going to see that station close,” said Davey.
Victoria Police Media Advisor Belinda Batty said Sorrento Police Station remains operational and has not been permanently closed.
“Policing services are delivered in line with seasonal demand, intelligence assessments and community needs,” said Batty.
“Daily patrols are conducted across Sorrento regardless of the station’s operational status, with members from Sorrento and/or Rosebud active in the community.”
Batty said with summer approaching, the community can expect a greater police presence.
She said the closest 24/7 station is Rosebud, but anyone experiencing an emergency should call 000.
For non-urgent police assistance, members of the public can contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or use Victoria Police’s Online Reporting Service.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 21 October 2026
