Victoria Police have confirmed the largest tactical policing operation in Australian history was undertaken on Friday as the search continues for 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, the man accused of fatally shooting two police officers and injuring a third in Porepunkah on August 26.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations Russell Barrett addressed media on Sunday morning, providing a detailed update on the unprecedented search effort and changes to community safety advice.
“Over 125 specialist tactical members from every Australian state and territory, as well as New Zealand, scoured an area in the middle of Freeman's location," he said.
“They’ve crawled through caves, traversed rivers and waterfalls, and searched plantations and gorges in extremely rugged terrain.
"I thank our colleagues and the broader policing family from Australia and New Zealand for their unwavering support in our efforts to bring Freeman before the justice system.
"We've searched hundreds of properties with and without warrant, made our way through abandoned structures, searched mine shafts, caves and huts.
"The operation continues and our resolve to find Freeman does not change."
Freeman, a self-described "sovereign citizen" with a history of anti-government rhetoric, fled into the bushland surrounding Mount Buffalo National Park following the deadly shooting.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, were shot dead as they and eight other officers attended Freeman’s home to execute a search warrant relating to historical sex offence allegations.
Both fallen officers have been formally farewelled at the Victoria Police Academy in Melbourne in moving services.
Police have received more than 1100 public information reports over the last three weeks.
Despite the extensive efforts, Freeman remains at large.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Barrett announced a change in travel advice for the Porepunkah area.
"We're making a slight lift in the travel warnings for the Porepunkah area," he said.
"Our changes to allow the community to return to a state of normality, people can return to the area, though the park remains closed.
"Our search efforts remain focused on that area, but we want to thank the local community and the broader Victorian community for their efforts and support while we've undertaken what is so far been an extensive search."
The VicEmergency community information message previously active within areas including Wangaratta and Beechworth has now condensed to Porepunkah and surrounding areas including Myrtleford and Bright.
The message still advises those in the area to remain vigilant.
A $1 million reward remains on offer for information leading to Freeman’s arrest, the largest ever offered in Victoria for facilitating an arrest.
Police continue to investigate the possibility that Freeman is being harboured by associates.
“We’re open to all possibilities, Freeman may be in the area, may be harboured, or may be deceased," said Acting Deputy Commissioner Barrett.
"Our investigation is not restricted to the area, whilst we're focused on a ground search in that area, our investigation is much broader than what we're seeing on the ground, and we're we're following up all leads, all intelligence, all information that's provided to us.
"Our response will change at some point in time and continues to change, but the investigation continues until he's brought to justice.
"Freeman will always be pursued until he's located.
"We will leave no stone unturned to try and establish how we can best conduct this investigation."
Police advise that if you see Freeman, call 000 immediately but do not approach him as he was still considered heavily armed and dangerous.
Anyone with other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or visit your local police station.
For the most current advice and updates relating to this search, visit https://www.police.vic.gov.au/porepunkah-shooting-and-search-desmond-freeman-filby