The WA Police Force is to recruit an additional 150 police officers to boost its frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic response.
The announcement, by Premier Mark McGowan, was part of a $91 million package of measures to support the State’s emergency plan.
Minister for Police, Michelle Roberts said that $73.4 million in funding would go toward the immediate recruitment of extra officers.
“Recruits will be given expedited training in core modules to allow their deployment to support roles as soon as possible, and free up fully training police officers for deployment to the frontline,” Ms Roberts said.
She said a further 135 police recruits already in training were being fast-tracked for deployment in support roles.
The Minister said WA Police would also receive 100 mobile intelligence cameras that would allow them to better monitor and enforce movement restrictions around the State.
“$3million is also being provided to expand police tracking and tracing capabilities with the purchase of GPS tracking devices for electronic monitoring devices,” she said.
Mr McGowan said WA Police had been doing an excellent job serving the State in difficult circumstances.
“These additional resources will ensure they can continue to meet operational demands created by the State of Emergency,” he said.
