NSW Police Association calls for more frontline officers in southwest
A SHORTAGE of police officers in Sydney’s booming southwest is leaving communities vulnerable, the Police Association of NSW says.
Liverpool
Don't miss out on the headlines from Liverpool. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A SHORTAGE of police officers in Sydney’s booming southwest is leaving communities vulnerable, the Police Association of NSW says.
The union has released figures showing there are 114 unfilled positions in the southwest, with some officers redeployed to specialist units such as counter terrorism and cybercrime and not being replaced.
The association’s South West Metro Region organiser Rod Sheraton labelled them “ghost cop” positions.
“By leaving positions unfilled, we are putting undue pressure on frontline police and hampering their ability to protect the local community,” Mr Sheraton said.
“All of these ‘ghost cop’ positions mean fewer police on the beat doing the important work within our community.”
Earlier this year, two frontline constable positions were removed from general duties at Liverpool City Police Area Command, the union said.
A sergeant’s position was also reportedly removed.
Liverpool City PAC is one of the busiest stations in the state, with the population expected to rise by more than 100,000 residents over the next decade.
The union is calling on the State Government to commit to addressing the backlog. Mr Sheraton said it was critical to invest in new police as the region’s population surges.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said an internal investigation would highlight where resources were needed.
“We can’t afford to take public safety for granted and I’m committed to growing the organisation to ensure we deal with current and emerging crimes,” he said.
Acting Police Minister Mark Speakman said the government had added more than 1000 officers to the force since 2011.