NSW will get an extra 1500 new police officers – the biggest increase for the NSW Police Force in more than 30 years.
The increase over four years was announced today by Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Police Minister Troy Grant.
The Government will spend more than $583 million over four years to bolster police numbers.
“NSW Commissioner of Police Mick Fuller has provided the Government with a resourcing blueprint for the NSW Police Force that focuses on proactive and high visibility policing,” the Premier said.
“This increase in police numbers will ensure the NSW Police Force has the resources it needs to continue to drive down crime rates and protect the community.”
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said this boost to police numbers will benefit regional NSW communities and reduce response times.
“This is the boost NSW Police need in our regions, and will mean safer roads, more officers on the beat and better capabilities for police districts to respond.”
Following extensive consultation with the Police Association of NSW and police commands across the state, child protection and elder abuse were identified as two of the key areas requiring greater policing resources.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said protecting some of the most vulnerable members of the community – our children and elderly – is undoubtedly one of the most important roles that NSW Police perform.
“To ensure police have greater capability to keep a watchful eye on known offenders against children, all 58 police commands across NSW will receive an additional officer to monitor offenders on the Child Protection Register,” said Mr Grant. “The elderly are also at greater risk of abuse and unfortunately, like other forms of domestic violence, it is often perpetrated by a trusted family member, partner or carer.
“To combat this cowardly crime, each and every command will also receive a specialist Elder Abuse Prevention Officer.”
Specialist Elder Abuse Officers will be established as part of the Crime Management Units and specifically look to strategies of prevention and support. NSW Commissioner of Police Mick Fuller said, “This commitment to the NSW Police Force is historic and I am very excited at the opportunities we’ll now have to enhance our capability.
“We have re-engineered the organisation to ensure our structure has us well placed to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime throughout the community.
“Now we can also grow the Force to boost our efforts even further. You have to go back to 1987 when I joined to see this number of police promised to the people of New South Wales.
“We will dramatically improve our capacity to deal with crimes such as elder and child abuse and the numbers of police on our streets will also vastly increase.”
President of the Police Association of NSW Tony King said this investment in police numbers will undoubtedly help ease the burden and strain on current officers.
“I am thrilled the Government has listened and worked with us to deliver the biggest increase in police numbers in more than three decades,” said Mr King.
“This boost to operational capacity will ensure police are well supported and can maintain the sort of protection our community expects and deserves.”
John Ellicott
journalist and author
journalist and author
