The NSW Police Force have launched a high-visibility policing operation ahead of Anzac Day, one of the nation’s most important occasions.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte, was joined by Minister for Veterans, David Harris, RSL NSW President, Ray James, and Transport for NSW Acting Chief Operations officer Mark Hutchings, to launch Operation Anzac Day 2023 at 12pm today (Monday 24 April 2023).
The police operation will involve general duties officers, assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command, to ensure the safety of the community.
Police will be out in force at Sydney CBD events tomorrow (Tuesday 25 April 2023), including the Dawn Service, Anzac Day March, Commemoration Service, and Sunset Service.
In addition, officers from Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state will patrol local and regional events to ensure this National Day of Remembrance is commemorated appropriately.
Assistant Commissioner Whyte said police are reminding the public to be respectful, sensible, and to take responsibility for themselves and others during tomorrow’s celebrations.
“Anzac Day is about honouring the brave men and women who served our country and who paid the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for our freedom,” Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
“Like all major events, we want people to enjoy Anzac Day in a safe and secure environment, without the fear of being subjected to anti-social behaviour or alcohol-related crime.
“Police are encouraging anyone planning to attend one of the many events across the state, to do so safely and in the spirit of comradery and mateship, to look out for one another,” Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
As large crowds are expected in the CBD, police are encouraging people to leave the car at home and use public transport.
Many roads will be closed, and special-event clearways will be in place throughout the Sydney CBD.
“Anyone driving in the CBD should expect significant delays and take care, as there will be heavy pedestrian traffic.
“Consuming alcohol on public transport is not permitted and the Police Transport Command will be targeting anyone drinking alcohol on trains, buses and ferries,” Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
Minister for Veterans, David Harris, said Anzac Day is an opportunity for NSW to come together to pay tribute to the Anzacs and to all the brave servicemen and servicewomen who have since followed in their footsteps.
“I encourage people to attend tomorrow’s commemoration events, either in their local area or to make the journey into the Sydney CBD for the annual Anzac Day Dawn Service and march,” Mr Harris said.
For special-event traffic and transport information, head to www.transportnsw.info.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
