Residents of Melbourne west arranged peaceful march to show unity for more police and ask for safer community. Population growth in Caroline Springs has “outstripped” the service demand Victoria Police can provide, the north-west’s top cop admits but has refused to announce when the area will be receiving extra police. North-west Commander Russell Barrett addressed hundreds of locals rallying for more police reassuring them Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton, who was not present, had acknowledged the community were living in fear. “I have every understanding why people would be fearful,” Commander Barrett said. “I feel for the community. “There’s been considerable growth in Caroline Springs – we can’t hide away from it. The growth in Caroline Springs is significant -it’s outstripped the service demand we can provide.” Commander Barrett said the message from Chief Commissioner Ashton was “very clear” – the extra 300 frontline police funded in this year’s state budget would be deployed to high growth and high crime areas. Those officers are not expected to graduate from the Police Academy until next year.