NSW Police Force saves millions in wages as officers quit in droves

Many police commands across NSW are desperately short of officers amid a drop in the public’s confidence, soaring crime rates and a deterioration in cop response times, a new report shows.

The NSW Police Force saved a staggering $35 million last year on wages because of the growing number of cops quitting the force and not being replaced, with many police commands now desperately short of officers.

It comes amid a drop in the public’s confidence in police, soaring crime rates and a deterioration in police response times, according to the force’s annual report.

Staff turnover more than doubled last year to 1381 from 648 in 2019, with only 968 new recruits in 2023.

The situation will get worse when more than 200 of the force’s most experienced officers leave next month under an early retirement scheme.

“The NSWPF annual report uncovers some alarming statistics. Separation rates are higher than the annual capacity the Police Academy has to train recruits,” NSW Police association president Kevin Morton said.

More than 1300 police officers left the job last year. Picture: Martin Berry

“It is the community that is put at higher risk if this is not addressed quickly and even with an increase in applications since paid recruits were announced (in October), with no funding for advertising it is likely it we will continue with a net loss for sometime.”

According to the annual report, the $35m saved on wages was equivalent to 1139 vacant positions a month.

“The 2022-23 salaries and wages, inclusive of annual leave, was 2% (net $35 million) lower in comparison to 2021-22,” it noted.

The Police Association said with insurance and other associated cost reductions due to staff shortages, the savings were more like $280m. The union said the savings should be used to bolster police wages like recently granted to NSW teachers and paramedics.

“The NSW government needs a plan to respect, reward and retain police officers. Like with the teachers and paramedics, pay and incremental progression will be crucial to that strategy,” Mr Morton said.

Kevin Morton has called for a plan to retain police officers. Picture: Tim Hunter.

A spokesman for Police Minister Yasmin Catley said she was “actively considering what more can be done to combat the decline in numbers both by recruitment of more police and retaining experienced officers much longer”.

In October the state government announced recruits would be paid about $30,000 over the 16-week training course at the Goulburn Police Academy in a bid to help recruit new officers.

According to the annual report, community confidence in the police force dropped from 87 per cent in 2018 to 80 per cent last year as crime increased across all categories, although some of this can be attributed to low crime rates during Covid.

Police failed to respond to a quarter of emergency calls on time, with officers meeting their targets only 73.9 per cent of the time – a drop from 77.3 per cent in 2018.

There were a few bright spots, with an increase in charges relating to organised crime offences up from 75,063 in 2019/20 to 80,874 last financial year.

The report also noted an increase in people who felt safe walking alone in their neighbourhood at night, up from 67 per cent two years ago to 69.1 per cent.

The number of public transport users who felt safe at night also increased from 53.9 to 58.4 per cent.