Member for Tweed Geoff Provest has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement that 1,500 new police will be added to the NSW Police Force – the biggest increase in 30 years.
“The 1,500 extra police will benefit every single community across NSW including Tweed, thanks to a record investment of $583 million by the Liberals & Nationals Government,” said Mr Provest.
“The NSW Government has already delivered more than 1,000 new police since we were elected, and these 1,500 new recruits will put more police where they are needed – out on the frontline, tackling crime across the state.
“NSW has some of the lowest crime rates in 20 years, and with this boost to police numbers, our men and women in blue will be able to meet future crime challenges head on.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the safety and security of NSW communities is the Government’s highest priority.
“NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has provided the Government with a resourcing blueprint for the NSW Police Force that focuses on proactive and high visibility policing,” said Ms Berejiklian.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s careful economic management is enabling us to make record investments in our frontline services. These 1,500 new police are another example of our hard work paying off for the community.”
Minister for Police Troy Grant said protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community – our children and the 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, and ensure our elderly are better protected from abuse, all 58 Police commands across NSW will receive a Child Protection Officer and Elder Abuse Prevention Officer,” said Mr Grant.
NSW Commissioner of Police Mick Fuller said this commitment to the New South Wales Police Force is historic.
“I am very excited at the opportunities we’ll now have to enhance our capability,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“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.”
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.