A new forensic hub has commenced operations in Ballarat, with 14 forensic specialists and support staff on site to assist police in apprehending offenders.

Victoria Police divisional commander Acting Superintendent Dan Davison said the effects of the Ballarat hub would be felt right across the western region.

"Local police will now have more immediate access to forensic services, which will assist in detecting and apprehending criminals before they commit further offences," he said.

Evidence was previously analysed at the Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre in Macleod - about 300 kilometres from Warrnambool.

Forensic material sent to the police testing facility was often not returned for many months, causing significant delays in investigations and court cases.

Last year a Terang man waited 17 months to be sentenced for drug trafficking due to a large backlog at the facility.

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Acting Superintendent Davison said with police having to travel to Melbourne less, there were more opportunities for police to perform frontline duties and proactively patrol in the community.

"It will also have a flow on effect by redirecting evidence previously sent to the forensic department in Melbourne, meaning police across the entire state will reap the benefits too," he said.

Victoria Police Forensic Services executive director Rebecca Kogios said the forensic department was thrilled to be extending its capability to regional communities.

"The state-of-the-art facility will deliver high quality forensic services to regional communities with the aim of fast-tracking investigations," she said.

"The Regional Forensic Hub will house scientific equipment and specialist staff, trained to perform multi-disciplinary evidence recovery across a range of biological, chemical, digital, botanical and fingerprint specialties."

The Regional Forensic Hub was funded part of the $596 million Public Safety Package announced in the 2016-17 Victorian Budget, which also includes a Forensic Hub in Morwell.

The Morwell Forensic Hub is expected to commence operations within a fortnight, which will provide the same service to the eastern region of Victoria.

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