Victorian Police Minister Lisa Neville says the appointments will go a long way towards building trust between the police force and Aboriginal communities.
"They really tell a positive story about how they strengthen relationships and also (can) be able to divert particular young people into services and support, which gets them out of the courts and criminal-justice system. As well as a lot of preventative work," says Ms Neville.
The officers will work in Geelong, Echuca, Ballarat and Knox in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
The hope is that the initiative can also direct young offenders towards a range of counselling and intervention programs to keep them out of custody.
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Indigenous youths get insight into life as a police officer
Respected elder Keith Randall, a Victorian Police liaison officer, views his role as a stepping stone between two worlds.
He says that his work is to break down barriers through cultural awareness, and the benefits will be shown in what is often seen as the tough parts of policing.
"They'll come in on their own accord, go through the front door, go to the counter and say, 'My name's Joe Blow. I heard there might be a warrant out for my arrest. I'd like to have that executed, please,' instead of an embarrassing moment (that) might be out in the shopping centre or when they're driving along," says Mr Randall.
Police officers have been treated with suspicion by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the aim of expanding the community-policing program is to have a transformative effect.
"I had a lot of hate for them, because I didn't feel they were there for the justice or to uphold the law," says 39-year-old John Tie.
Mr Tie, a father of three, suffered from substance abuse and was involved in petty crime, leaving him to an unhealthy opinion of police, but he has benefited from having a close relationship with a liaison officer.
He says regular catch ups with Mr Randall have given him a new appreciation of his Aboriginal culture and heritage.
"With him being there, it's been like a second father, an older man who's been able to listen to me, and I feel wanted."
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