By PAUL MILLAR
LOCAL police have been placed on high alert after a terror suspect was shot dead when he attacked police in Melbourne.
Stations around the Geelong region are on a “heightened awareness”, according to Geelong Superintendent Daryl Clifton.
Chief police commissioner Ken Lay sent a memo to every police officer in the state, urging increased awareness and to “exercise extreme caution – please stay vigilant, stay alert and stay safe. Be prepared for anything”.
The latest update went beyond the metropolitan region with the police chief warning country members to be extra cautious.
“This is not just a metro issue – country members and single officer patrols must remain vigilant and consider their safety,” the police chief said in a memo viewed by the Independent.
Station commanders across the region addressed staff in relation to the fatal shooting by police outside the Endeavour Hills police station. Two police officers were seriously injured after being stabbed by the teenager.
Superintendent Clifton said security arrangements had been strengthened.
“But it is business as usual, we have just reinforced our security arrangements and that is not being alarmist,” he said.
In his memo to officers Chief Commissioner Lay warned members to fully kit up when on duty, even for short trips and not to hesitate in calling to call for backup if needed.
Ron Iddles, the secretary of the Police Association, wanted command to go even further and arm officers operating the front desk.
“We believe that all of our members that are dealing with the public should be armed,” he told The Independent.
Superintendent Clifton said officers on the desk at Geelong were already “fully kitted out”.
Geelong’s Muslim leader, Imam, Mohammad Ramzan, said that he would address the shooting of the teenage terror suspect and the stabbing of the two police officers when he conducted morning prayers on Friday.
“I will be warning against any involvement in any terror organisation, we want nothing to do with them we want to live in harmony,” he said.
“Our worries are the same as others, our happiness is the same as others, we are Australian.”
Footy fans are likely to see first-hand an upgrade to security at the grand final with more officers visible and an increase in undercover officers at the MCG.
Chief Commissioner Lay said the environment was changing following the attack on the police officers in Endeavour Hills and the community felt less assured.
