Justices of the Peace in Casey. Front: Norma McCausland, John Richardson, Paula Rae, and Denny Van Maanenberg. Back: Don Davis, Vishnu Prasad, Norm Hanson, Laurie Taig, Ray Simpson, Glenn Northeast, Rex Zanol, and Warren Ritchie. 20251
By Liesel Rickarby
ACCESS to a Justice of the Peace will be easier as JPs extend their hours at Cranbourne Police Station to meet increased demand for services.
In a move that frees up police time and speeds up paper work, JPs will now be available at the station three days a week from 1pm until 3pm.
Casey has four newly appointed JPs: Norman Hansen, Ron Simpson, Denney Van Maanenberg, and John Richardson.
Cranbourne Senior Sergeant Darlene Spicer said she had noticed an increased need for the services of JPs.
“Having them here on the extra day frees up police to do other required duties, and it’s good for the community,” Snr Sgt Spicer said.
Justices of the Peace witness statutory declarations and affidavits.
Don Davis, ex-president of Cranbourne RSL and Justice of the Peace for nearly 30 years, says the workload doesn’t end when he leaves the station.
“JPs work at the police station, but we do a lot of work at home too. It’s something that the community needs and we’ve been doing it for a long time," he said.
There are currently more than 4000 JPs serving in Victoria.
There is a large demand for JPs, especially for people fluent in foreign languages and people from regional areas, in order to improve access to JPs in Victoria’s ethnic and rural communities.
To become a Justice of the Peace email jp@justice.vic.gov.au.
Current Justices of the Peace who would like to volunteer at Cranbourne Police Station can call Don Davis on 5995 1283.
