NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services Andrew Stoner has welcomed an increase to police numbers on the state’s North Coast as a great win for the community.
This follows an announcement by Police Minister Mike Gallacher that up to 90 additional police officers would be placed in the six Local Area Commands (LAC) – from Port Stephens to the Queensland Border – that are part of the Police Northern Region.
“This increase in police numbers is a great win for North Coast communities,” Mr Stoner said.
“Crime and safety remain a concern for many people living on the North Coast and these extra officers will go a long way to addressing those concerns.
“Today’s announcement will see each of the six Local Area Commands in the Police Northern Region provided with additional officers.
“This increase highlights just how the NSW Liberals and Nationals are delivering for regional communities in government.
“Police numbers are now at record highs, with authorised strength sitting at more than 16,000 officers thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals government delivering record numbers of police.
“Since 2011, the government has added 420 new officers to the NSW Police Force – many of whom are stationed in regional areas – and is on track to delivering 859 additional officers by August 2015.”