Specialist squads muscled up as part of Police numbers boost
A significant boost to specialist police units to target organised crime, domestic violence and terrorism will form part of 550 new positions in the NSW Police Force this financial year.
The final allocation of positions delivers on the State Government’s $583 million commitment for 1500 extra police positions over four years.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the commitment represented the biggest increase in police numbers across the State in more than 30 years.
“We’re boosting every area and aspect of the NSW Police Force – including our general duties police, domestic violence specialist investigators, police prosecutors, counter terrorism police and organised crime squads,” Mr Toole said.
“These extra positions mean more proactive policing, more foot patrols, more visibility of police in high-risk areas, more support for victims, and more time to investigate crime.
“An effective police force requires the support and resources to stay ahead of the game and disrupt crimes before they occur.”
Commissioner Karen Webb said the new positions would make a significant impact across the Police Force, improving community safety.
“Our population as a state is continually growing, and with that comes greater responsibility as a police service,” Commissioner Webb said.
“These allocations have been carefully considered to ensure we boost numbers in areas that need it the most.
“It is crucial to have resources in the right areas to prevent and respond to crime and see those matters through the court process.”
The new positions will see various specialist units and commands bolstered with extra resources. These include:
- State Crime Command – 41, with 30 positions for the Raptor Squad and 11 positions for the Organised Crime Squad to help tackle gangland and high level organised crime;
- Police Prosecutions – 35, including 20 training positions to achieve conviction outcomes;
- Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics – 19, with nine positions for the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and 10 positions for the Tactical Operations Group;
- High Risk Domestic Violence Team – 15 to proactively target and investigate high risk domestic violence offenders;
- Rural Crime Investigators – 10 additional investigators to investigate stock and equipment theft on farms.
The pool of general duties police officers will also be boosted across metro, regional and rural locations.
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