A push to have a local dog squad unit based in the area has been rewarded with the trial of a police dog unit in Tamworth.
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Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and Police Minister Stuart Ayres have announced the Oxley Local Area Command will have a police dog for a month.
Mr Anderson said the announcement was the result of a “very strong community push for extra resources for local police”.
“The trial of a general purpose police dog will give the community confidence that we are trying to do everything that we can to drive down crime,” Mr Anderson said.
“It’s wonderful news for the community and bad news for crooks with the unit consisting of a police officer and a general purpose German sheppard dog.”
Gunnedah Duty Inspector and Oxley Local Area Command Acting Superintendent Paul Johnson, who has been supportive of the push for a dog squad unit, said the dog would be available across the region as it was needed - including in Gunnedah.
“It is certainly an important resource for the region,” Inspector Johnson said.
“It is another chink in the armour in regards to crime fighting. It is a tool we can utilise in search and detection.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres said the month-long police dog trial would be based in Tamworth, but would service the entire Oxley Local Area Command.
He said the trial would be assessed at the end of the month.
“The general purpose police dog has tracking and searching capability, and is very effective for criminal apprehension,” Mr Ayres said.
“The dog will be available to attend any jobs that are occurring at the time where there might be an element of tracking or searching.”
Mr Anderson thanked the NSW police dog unit and the Oxley Local Area Command.
“I also sincerely thank Renee, Barry and Karen Bourne and the community who got behind the push with a 5000 signature petition,” Mr Anderson said.
“This announcement of a trial dog unit is a reflection of community concerns and needs being met by the NSW government and the police minister.
“Our police do a fantastic job and my job is to support them by working hard to provide the resources they need to drive down crime, which will ultimately make our streets and communities feel safer.”
Renee, Barry and Karen Bourne, who own the Highway Superette in Tamworth, started the petition after their stores on Goonoo Goonoo Road and at North Tamworth were held up.
