Victoria Police will push magistrates to order accused criminals who are released on bail to comply with strict stay-at-home directions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Late on Monday police confirmed that in-person reporting while on bail would be temporarily suspended from Friday.

Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said there would be no "free kicks" for accused criminals while on bail. Credit:Eddie Jim

Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton defended the major changes to the bail laws, arguing there would not be more leniency shown towards accused criminals while they are on bail.

"This doesn't mean they get a free kick by any stage of the game – in fact, the accountability regime they're now going to be adhering to is going to be probably more stringent," Mr Patton said.