Rapid Response and joint patrols
Our Local Laws, Rapid Response and joint patrols
Council’s Local Laws outline what is and isn’t allowed on Council land, roads and streets. These Laws are developed under The Local Government Act 1989 (Victoria) to manage a range of community issues.
Our activities to manage and protect the safety and amenity of our community, including protection of amenity and Council land and how this is enforced are outlined in the Community Amenity Local Law 2023.
Update on Managing Encampments
We've heard ongoing concerns from residents and traders about anti-social behaviour at some encampment sites that is affecting safety and amenity.
On 6 May 2026, Council adopted an amendment to the local laws that allows authorised officers, from 1 June 2026, to remove and impound encampment equipment only where behaviours are creating sustained safety or amenity impacts.
This measure is a last resort. Connecting people with support services, offering assistance on site and exploring options that do not include impounding items will always be explored first. Existing exemptions for people experiencing homelessness or complex needs will also continue to apply. There will be no fees or fines as part of this process and any belongings removed will be safely stored and returned on request.
This amendment is not a solution to homelessness, and we will continue to invest in outreach, housing partnerships and advocacy for long-term reform, while also responding to immediate community safety concerns.
To find out more about our work to support community safety, visit:
Rapid Response
Our Rapid Response team patrol key areas of the City daily to clean the streets and support people sleeping rough. See the monthly social and amenity management reports below for more information about the work of the Rapid Response and City Amenity teams.
See below for information about our annual summer management campaign aimed at helping keep our City safe and clean when there are many visitors.
Victoria Police Operating Protocol
As recommended by the Community Safety Roundtable Report, this Protocol sets out how the City of Port Phillip and Victoria Police deliver a coordinated response to rough sleeping and encampments.
It strengthens collaboration through joint patrols, regular coordination and a consistent approach, prioritising connection to housing and support services. Enforcement is to be used only as a last option, together with a commitment to human rights and lawful, proportionate decision-making.
Victoria Police Operating Protocol
Joint patrols
Our Locals Laws officers work with Victoria Police from South Melbourne and St Kilda Police Stations to undertake joint foot patrols along key high streets.
These patrols support information sharing, community engagement and visibility, and provide opportunities for residents and traders to raise issues directly with officers.
Joint patrols are coordinated with Victoria Police and subject to operational resourcing.
Learn more about how we're working to improve Community Safety
Who to call and how to make a report
In most instances, your first call for reporting a crime or safety incident should be to Victoria Police or other emergency services.
| Who to contact | When to contact |
| Victoria Police | If you see any dangerous or life-threatening behaviour or are in danger, call triple zero (000) immediately. If the situation is non-urgent, then you can contact the Police Assistance Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 131 444 or via their online platform. If you have information that could help solve a crime and do not need immediate police assistance you can make a report via Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website For business support contact Business and commercial safety | Victoria Police |
| Council | Public space maintenance requests, local health and safety issues and pet and alcohol restriction non-compliance and other issues can be reported to Council by:
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Contact us
Our Building and Inclusion team is hear to help. For more information contact the City of Port Phillip Community Safety Lead.
Send us a message on My Port Phillip
Phone: 03 9209 6777