Second top cop told his contract will not be renewed by the government

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson will not have his contract renewed, becoming the latest officer to be cut from command.

In an email sent to staff yesterday, Paterson announced that the government had decided not to renew his contract when it expires in July.

It comes just days after Shane Patton announced in a late-night statement that he would be stepping down following a damning vote of no confidence in his leadership.

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"Like Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, Victoria Police is an organisation that I too have committed my life to and one that I have the utmost pride in," Paterson said in the email, obtained by The Age.

"I have been committed to serving the Victorian community for over thirty seven years, by detecting and apprehending offenders, supporting victims and helping those in need of assistance.

"That's the reason I and every other police officer joins policing and turns up every day."

The email landed in police officers' inboxes just hours after Acting Police Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent addressed the media for the first time since stepping into the role.

Nugent revealed that he had already been in talks with the government about bail reforms and emphasised the need for the force to reset.

It's understood that Paterson has taken immediate leave and will finish his role in July.

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