Victoria’s top cop rejects ‘cover up’ claims over chopper no-fly zone

Victoria’s top cop has rejected claims police are trying to “cover up” their work with the implementation of a no-fly zone over Melbourne’s CBD due to anti-vaccination protests.

But Shane Patton admits police “probably” should have consulted media bosses first before making the application to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

“I don’t regret the decision, but we probably could have done it better,” Chief Commissioner Patton told 3AW.

“A tactical decision was made.”

He said the application was made to stop protesters from using live vision from the media chopper above the CBD to avoid police.

“It is allowing them to see, in real time, what our tactics are,” Chief Commissioner Patton said.

It’s led to anger, with media organisations considering their legal options to allow live coverage from the air.

“I didn’t realise it was going to be such a big deal, honestly,” Chief Commissioner Patton said.

Press PLAY below to hear Shane Patton explain the request on 3AW