Coffs-Clarence police district to deploy eight new officers

Coffs-Clarence police have bolstered their numbers. Here’s where they’ll be deployed and what crimes they’ll target.

Eight new police officers are set for deployment in the Coffs-Clarence district, targeting domestic violence, terrorism and organised crime.

The added police figure aims to bolster general presence in the region and provide swifter responses.

Superintendent Steve Clarke stated the additional police force numbers had “significant” ramifications.

“You’ll see blue uniforms on the street,” Mr Clarke said.

Eight new police officers are set for deployment in the Coffs/ Clarence district, targeting domestic violence, terrorism and organised crime. Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh, Acting Premier Paul Toole, Superintend Steve Clarke with officers from the Coffs-Clarence Police force. Picture: Matt Gazy

Mr Clarke said the extra police would allow for more general police patrolling and will assist the region’s domestic violence response.

“This will enhance our attempts to deal with domestic violence by assisting our three liaison officers,” he said.

He said it was “unfortunate” that the domestic violence numbers remained high – despite no increase during Covid.

“We’ll be able to bolster our response to all forms of crime and particularly domestic violence,’ he said.

There are 217 officers currently spread over the Coffs/ Clarence police district, and Mr Clarke said the extra numbers will allow for more presence in areas such as Sawtell and Woolgoolga.

These districts received criticism over a lack of police visibility, with several incidents allegedly occuring at community spaces over the school holidays.

“We’re aware of it and we’re doing everything we can to get more numbers there,” Mr Clarke said.

Police will also target other common crimes in the area – such as property theft and illicit drug use – particularly as warmer months approach.

“The crooks stay out later in Summer, but now we have capacity to bolster our response to that,” he said.

In the past four years, the district has received 24 additional officers.

Mr Clarke noted several officers are on long sick leave as police recruitment ramps up.

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh said the police are doing a “fantastic job”, particularly given the tricky set of circumstances over the years with Covid.

“They’re putting their lives on the line every day, making our streets safer for families,” Mr Singh said.

Acting Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the added numbers will allow for more “boots on the ground”, allowing for higher police visibility.

“These resources are needed to help disrupt crime,” he said.

Mr Toole said the numbers will boost “every area” of the police force, including general police patrolling, prosecutors, crime squads and counter terrorism teams.

Acting Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the added numbers will allow for more “boots on the ground”, allowing for higher police visibility. Picture: Matt Gazy

Mr Clarke noted several officers are on long sick leave, as police recruitment ramps up.

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh said the police are doing a “fantastic job”, particularly given the tricky set of circumstances over the years with Covid.

“They’re putting their lives on the line every day, making our streets safer for families,” Mr Singh said.

Acting Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the added numbers will allow for more “boots on the ground”, allowing for higher police visibility.

“These resources are needing to help disrupt crime,” he said.

Mr Toole said the numbers will boost “every area” of the police force, including general police patrolling, prosecutors, crime squads and counter terrorism teams.