Anderson Says Good News For Country Police

Friday, 23 December 2011 09:59

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

Monday 12 December 2011

Anderson Says Good News For Country Police

Country policing will be the winner following the release of the recommendations from the Audit into Police numbers and resources carried out by former Assistant Commissioner Peter Parsons.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the recommendations from the report are in line with what our communities have been calling out for, for a long time.

"More police in our region, more cops on the beat, police freed up from escort duties and a major focus on regional policing.

“The aim of the audit was to determine where police are, where they need to be and how best to use them to protect and serve all our communities.

"Regions like ours have been crying out for extra policing and the results of this Audit are well worth the wait."

"Former Assistant Commissioner, Peter Parsons, was a country cop who knows the complexities of community based policing in regional and rural areas. 

"It's expected up to 10 police officers graduating this Friday will join the Oxley Local Area command to assist our already hardworking officers.

"These new police will be welcomed and will learn community based policing while ensuring we are providing a stronger police presence in our towns and villages.

“A target of 90% operational strength will be adopted as a goal for all commands into the future.

"Recommendations which will have direct positive outcomes for regions like ours include the removal of juvenile and adult prisoner escort duties from police workloads and the establishment of a Police Housing Authority to ensure there is suitable accommodation for police and their families.

“Whilst the report has just been released, it is still early days. The Government has requested the Commissioner of Police to consider all the recommendations of the review, and report back to Government by May 2012.

Ends