A substantial increase in the number of front-line police officers has been announced to help keep Western Australia safe and strong.
The planned recruitment is expected to be the biggest single injection of police officers in decades with around 800 sworn police officers to be engaged.
When completed, the appointments will mean Western Australia will have the highest number of police officers per person of all the States.
Minister for Police, Michelle Roberts said the $314 million allocation would allow recruitment on top of regular attrition and flow-on resourcing to the criminal justice system, and would result in a stronger and more visible police presence on the streets.
“We have worked with the Commissioner of Police to identify the number of front-line police officers needed to meet current and forecast demand over the next four years, and are delivering on that request in full,” Ms Roberts said.
“On top of extra officers, the funding has included a roll-out of major technological improvements including body-worn cameras, personal issue mobile devices, Automatic Number Plate Recognition Technology, and protective vests to every front-line officer.”
She said previous allocations had already paid dividends with the State currently experiencing record low rates of crime.
“More officers mean more flexibility, a stronger police presence on our streets, safer roads and better response times,” Ms Roberts said.
“Not only are we adding extra officers, we are modernising our Police Force with new technology,” she said.
