The Rockliff Liberal Government is continuing record investment in Tasmania Police to help keep our communities safe from crime and antisocial behaviour.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said that the first ever Tasmania Police Community Survey has provided valuable community feedback on observations and experiences of crime and policing in Tasmania.
“We know Tasmania Police is one of the most trusted police forces in the country, and that we are one of the safest places to live in Australia,” Minister Ellis said.
“However, when crime or anti-social behaviour of any type happens, it can cause significant distress and disturbance in what would otherwise be peaceful communities.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to supporting our communities and this survey is helping inform our understanding of how we can best invest in policing in identified areas of concern.
“Already we are listening to the concerns of the community. Over the past week Tasmania Police has conducted targeted operations in New Norfolk and charged 25 people with more than 40 offences as part of Taskforce Saturate.
“The residents of New Norfolk and Kingborough can be assured that we are committed to investing in policing resources and infrastructure in their communities to keep them safe. Since 2014 we have nearly doubled police numbers in both regions, opened a new $5 million New Norfolk Police Station and we are currently conducting a feasibility study for an Emergency Services Hub in Kingston.
“This is in addition to our $12.5 million investment to rebuild the Bridgewater Police Station where we have also doubled police numbers to 50 officers, who are also available serve New Norfolk.
“Our record investment to re-build Tasmania Police means there are now more police in Tasmania than ever before.
“We continue to exceed the national average for police per head of population and we have more female police than any other jurisdiction.
“With more police we have been able to bolster our country police officer numbers, increase police at 24/7 stations by 25 per cent, make the Special Operations Group full time, and establish the Crime and Intelligence Command within Tasmania Police.
“Tasmanians can be proud of our hard-working police officers and I thank every person who has taken the time to share their experiences which will help to inform investment and resourcing into the future,” Minister Ellis said.
