Victorian police have been warned against shooting at moving cars despite an increase in the number of offenders driving at officers while trying to flee.

Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp sent an email to police members last week after a rise in the number of police cars being rammed.

Victoria Police said it was looking at ways to handle those incidents, but shooting at a moving vehicle was potentially extremely dangerous for officers, offenders and the community.

Deputy Commissioner Crisp said it would only be in the most critical and rare circumstances that the use of a firearm might be considered appropriate.

He told Macquarie Radio shooting at a moving vehicle was unlikely to stop it.

"You've got to be a pretty good shot to shoot a tyre out, but even if you do it's not going to be enough to stop the vehicle," he said.

"Members should be reminded that firearms should not be discharged towards a moving vehicle in an attempt to disable the vehicle.

But he said officers should assess each situation they were confronted with.

"There could be those circumstances where in fact there is a need to shoot at a vehicle if your life is in danger," Deputy Commissioner Crisp said.

He said the edict was meant to ensure safety.

"It's based on the safety of our members first and foremost, the community, and also those offenders and suspects that we're trying to arrest," he said.