VICTORIA Police Western Region has welcomed a new assistant commissioner to lead police efforts in keeping Victorians safe across Western Victoria.

Appointed in late April, assistant commissioner, Michael Grainger APM, commenced in the role on May 23, taking over from assistant commissioner, Cindy Millen, who was in the role for the past four years.

Ms Millen said it was a “privilege” to lead police across the Western Region, but it was time for her to pass on the role to Mr Grainger.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the work we have done to keep communities safe, particularly in relation to firearm and drug-related crime,” she said.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I hand over the reins to assistant commissioner Michael Grainger - a man of great experience, high integrity and equally as passionate about community safety as myself.

“Western Victorians are in extremely capable hands with Mr Grainger at the helm, and I look forward to seeing the positive influence he will surely have over police operations in the region.”

Mr Grainger joined Victoria Police in 1984, after spending time working as a medical orderly in a major road trauma hospital emergency department after leaving school, which he said prepared him well for his intended career path in policing.

He then spent five years working as a frontline police officer across Melbourne’s western suburbs until 1989 when he was appointed as a detective.

Mr Grainger gained extensive investigative experience across local crime units and major crime squads including homicide, armed robbery, and armed offenders.

He was promoted to Inspector at Hobsons Bay in Melbourne’s inner southwest in 2007, and Superintendent at Road Policing Command in 2014, where he developed state-wide road safety strategies with the aim to end road trauma in Victoria.

In 2018 he was appointed as State Emergencies and Support Command assistant commissioner where he oversaw state-wide police communications, prisoner care, major event planning, and emergency response including two major bushfire seasons and the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Grainger is the recipient of several accolades including an Australian Police Medal in 2021.

He continues to support his career through education and tertiary studies, previously achieving qualifications in public administration, police management, and road safety leadership, and currently undertaking studies in ethics.

In his new role, Mr Grainger said he is committed to understanding the community and policing challenges in major rural cities and communities across western Victoria.

“I am so proud to lead police efforts across western Victoria,” he said.

“I see our police members closely engaged with their communities and so committed to delivering community safety every day; they are remarkable.

“I am determined to continue to focus our efforts on being the best we can be, to support our community.”

Mr Grainger is keenly focussed on road safety, family violence, youth crime and drug-related crime and is committed to ensuring both victims and offenders are referred to support services to help prevent future offending.