Vic top cop plans to go after first term

Victoria' Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton plans to step down in three years, when his current term ends.

Mr Ashton, who began a five year term in July 2015, also told The Australian he believes crime rates will have fallen under his tenure.

"I think you've got to bring someone fresh in -- it's such a dynamic, demanding role that five years is really enough," he told the newspaper in a report published on Monday.

New state crime figures are due later this week.

Mr Ashton expects the data to show an improvement, which may go some way to taking the edge off criticism of his performance by the state coalition opposition.