NSW Police are to adopt a strategy in use in the United Kingdom that can be used to disrupt a range of criminality and maximise public safety.
The tactic ‘Project Servator’ sees police, businesses, community partners and the public working together.
Deputy Police Commissioner, Investigations and Counter Terrorism, Dave Hudson, said Project Servator added to existing policing methods to protect the community.
“The tactic will see the deployment of both high visibility and plain clothed police officers, who can be supported by specialist units,” Deputy Commissioner Hudson said.
“The deployments can happen anywhere and at any time and include police officers specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs of individuals who may be planning to commit a crime,” he said.
“As part of the tactics, officers will engage more with the public while on patrol, including businesses, to raise awareness of Project Servator and encourage every member of the community to be their extra eyes and ears.”
Deputy Commissioner Hudson said Project Servator had been successful in the UK gathering intelligence that assisted Counter Terrorism Units across the country in investigating and preventing acts of terror.
“It has resulted in many arrests for a multitude of offences and is responsible for removing firearms, knives and drugs from the streets,” he said.
He said the tactics were developed and tested by security experts at the UK’s Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure in partnership with the City of London Police.
“It’s important to note that this tactic is not targeting a specific type of crime, nor is it in response to a particular threat or concern,” Deputy Commissioner Hudson said.
“It is a way of detecting, deterring and disrupting those who may be planning to commit a crime, as well as making the public feel safe,” he said.
