The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman has announced that next week’s ACT Budget will include funding for six new police officers and 18 firefighters.
Mr gentleman said the initiative would help ensure the ACT’s emergency response times remained among the best in the country.
He said four of the new police officers would be dedicated to expanding ACT Policing’s strategic analysis capability, helping identify and target crime hotspots and emerging risks.
He said another two officers would deliver improved surveillance capability to allow ACT Policing to monitor the activities of criminal gangs.
“This comes on top of the six police officers funded in the 2016–17 ACT Budget to help keep Canberra safe,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The Budget will also invest in new smartphone equipment for all officers to improve operations.”
The Minister said the recruitment of 18 new firefighters delivered on a commitment to replace those who were retiring.
“Canberra’s firefighters don’t just help put out fires; they also act as first responders for a range of other emergencies, from car accidents to power outages,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The 2018–19 ACT Budget will also invest in important equipment upgrades for the ACT Ambulance Service, including new defibrillators and electric stretchers for ambulances.”
He said ACT Fire and Rescue would also receive new cardiac monitors and protective helmets and defibrillators would be installed on fire appliances.
“To further support fast response times, the ACT Government is delivering on our 2016 election commitment to purchase a new aerial pumper for ACT Fire and Rescue,” Mr Gentleman said.
“The custom-built appliance will add to the 15 fire trucks already in service across Canberra.”
