A recent independent study conducted by the National Institute of Economic Industry Research found that Knox required an additional 27 police officers in order to service the area effectively.

The association's secretary, Senior Sergeant Greg Davies, said the "desperate need" for more staff was highlighted last Wednesday when a shortage of staff at Knox and Boronia left the stations without a van crew for the entire day.

"To continue operating in Knox with the current number of officers will result in a further decline in the ability of those officers to deliver policing of the highest standard. This not only impacts on the community they serve but on the health and functionality of police officers in the area, and the flow-on effect is felt by their families."

However, Inspector Terry Kane, of Knox's police service area, said the association's claims were misleading. "To say Knox and Boronia were without a van crew for the entire day is incorrect."

Inspector Kane said that while the Knox police area - which covers Knox, Rowville and Boronia police stations - was normally covered by three vans, some members reported sick for the morning shift at Knox and Boronia last Wednesday.

"As a result, two members who had been rostered for a training course were diverted to work the Knox van. We then had two vans working the Knox PSA on the morning shift. The afternoon shift and the night shift were not affected."

Inspector Kane said he did not believe there was any adverse effect on service.

"The public can rest assured that the members here are committed to providing the highest-quality policing service we can with the resources allocated to us".

A Victoria Police spokesman said staffing numbers were allocated in conjunction with a "people allocation model" that factored in a range of issues such as crime, demographics and social and economic factors.

The State Government did not respond to the Journal's inquiries before deadline.