Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Jeff Bacon is calling for an an increased police presence in Gunnedah and Werris Creek.
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The Tamworth candidate’s comments follow last week’s announcement of 1500 additional police officers for NSW over four years.
“There are towns in our region like Gunnedah and Werris Creek that have a reduced police presence or part-time stations, but the crims operate full-time,” Mr Bacon said.
“We want to see police going where they are most needed, not just where the Premier needs votes.”
Mr Bacon is now calling on NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller to specify where the new police officers will be deployed.
“Tamworth is in the top ten of the state for registered sex offenders,” Mr Bacon said.
“We want to see all 25 positions filled out of the 1500 allocation. Anything less would be an insult to the police and our communities.”
Mr Bacon said the move to deploy 1500 additional police officers across the state came after the NSW Police Association and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers pushed for 25 police officers for the Oxley District.
“[The] announcement shows just how minor parties can actually make a difference,” Mr Bacon said.
“Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson refused to support the Back the Blue campaign petition earlier this year. But now with election bells ringing, all of a sudden the Premier makes this announcement.”
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said he had already spoken to Police Minister Troy Grant and would continue to keep pushing for more police in our region.
“We will be ready to accept new police especially in Gunnedah as we prepare to open the brand new $8m state of art police station,” Mr Anderson said.
“This sort of investment into our police facilities is exactly what we need to do, to not only provide a modern work environment but to attract new police to our region.”
Mr Anderson said he welcomed the news that police would now have greater capability to keep a watchful eye on known offenders against children, and elderly would be better protected from abuse.
“There is increased funding for local women and children experiencing domestic violence to have access to extra crisis accommodation and 24/7 support,” he said.
“The focus will be on proactive and high visibility policing.
“Another big win is the basing of a Regional Enforcement Squad in Tamworth with a sergeant and three constables forming part of the squad investigating and tackling mid-level crime issues, including the fight against drugs in regional areas.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers and Orange MP Philip Donato said he had requested a meeting with Commissioner Fuller to discuss the squad.
“I have requested to personally meet with Commissioner Fuller as soon as possible to discuss with him the establishment of a Regional Enforcement Squad and basing a drug detection dog from the Central West Police District to focus on illicit drugs,” Mr Donato said.