The head of the Victorian police officers' union says tougher sentences are the only effective way to tackle the state's record crime rate.

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt has welcomed police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush's plan to restructure the organisation to free up more officers to go back on the streets.

As part of his announcement on Monday afternoon Chief Commissioner Bush said he would streamline the Victoria Police executive team and reduce the "administrative burden" to allow for a more proactive and visible frontline presence.

Mr Gatt said the chief commissioner was "making all the right noises" but the only effective solution was to impose tougher jail sentences.

"What we watch on our TV screens each and every night is out-of-control crime in Victoria th

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