Authorities are offering the largest reward in Victoria's history for information leading to the arrest of Dezi Freeman, as the hunt for alleged killer enters its 12th day.
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Victoria Police have offered a record $1 million reward for information leading to the capture of Dezi Freeman.
Mr Freeman is accused of shooting and killing two police officers near Porepunkah on August 26.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas is up to speak.
Detective Inspector Thomas says he will not divulge further details on the manhunt today.
"At this point in time, I will not be going into any details about the actual investigation itself," he says.
He says armed police remain searching the bushland around Porepunkah for Mr Freeman.
Detective Inspector Thomas says while rewards for murder investigations are not uncommon, today's announcement of a reward was different.
"What sets this apart is that this reward of up to $1 million is for information that leads to his apprehension, not conviction," he says.
He says it is the largest reward offer for someone's arrest in the history of the force in Victoria.
Detective Inspector Thomas says there are multiple theories in play as to Mr Freeman's whereabouts.
He is asked whether Dezi Freeman may have left the alpine region altogether.
Detective Inspector Thomas says again, police are open to the idea.
"We don't have any direct evidence to suggest that at this point, but we are open to that as a scenario," he says.
Similarly, the theory that Mr Freeman is being help is being considered, but is not known for certain.
"We don't have any direct evidence or intelligence at this point to suggest that a particular person is assisting him," he says.
" But again, we are open to that."
Detective Inspector Thomas says there is no end date for the search, and it will continue for as long as possible.
"There is no talk at this point about it being reduced or anything," he says.
"We are as driven today as we were on the day of the 26th of August when this first occurred."
Detective Inspector Thomas says the reward will be available for anyone at all.
When asked by reporters if that includes Amalia Freeman, the fugitive's wife, he reiterates that anybody who provides information will be eligible.
Detective Inspector Thomas says he strongly discourages anyone trying to personally search for Mr Freeman to claim the reward.
"I strongly urge anybody that has that thought to not do that," he says.
"What we want is information."
He warns Mr Freeman is very likely armed and dangerous.
Detective Inspector Thomas sends a direct message to Mr Freeman, just in case the fugitive is watching.
"If Freeman does see this, I ask that he come into a police station. He contact somebody to facilitate a surrender plan," he says.
"And then we're happy and we will engage with him and take him into custody.
"You will not get away with this if you are out there. You will be caught, it's just about when."
Detective Inspector Thomas says police cannot confirm if Mr Freeman has supplies or not, but are open to the theory.
"I can't tell you today how long that would last him if in fact he did have provisions," he says.
"But we are working on the assumption that he does."
The public is asked to be particularly vigilant when travelling to or from Porepunkah.
Detective Inspector Thomas says if possible, the area should be avoided while travelling..
"People that are visiting the area, we ask that they perhaps look at other routes into town," he says.
Thank you so much for joining us during our live coverage of Victoria Police's announcement of a historic $1 million reward for information leading to Dezi Freeman's arrest.
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