Police unveil their latest ‘weapon’: a golf cart to patrol the harbourside

There’s new addition to the NSW Police fleet: a shiny golf cart which will cruise the city’s harbourside providing a friendly presence and a watchful eye on the tourist precinct.

There is a new addition to the NSW Police fleet: a shiny golf cart which will cruise the city’s harbourside providing a friendly presence and a watchful eye on the tourist precinct.

From Darling Harbour to Walsh Bay, Barrangaroo to Circular Quay and over to the Botanic Gardens, the buggy - known as GC-1 - is a high-visibility policing tool which will bolster relationships with the community as well as enhance safety.

Brains behind the buggy, Sydney City Police Superintendent Martin Fileman, who admitted he copied the idea after watching the police all-terrain vehicles on Bondi Beach, said GC-1 is another tool officers will use to keep the city safe, while building positive relationships.

The latest ‘weapon’ has been trialled over the past few weeks, and Supt Fileman said it had already proven to be a popular attraction.

“Kids love it...we drive around and it attracts people. They come up and say hi, get a photo taken with it, and there are so many opportunities that come from a community initiative like this,” Supt Fileman said.

Superintendent Martin Fileman, Commander of Sydney City Police Area Command and Constable Amelia Wilkinson pictured in Darling Harbour with the new police golf cart. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Supt Fileman said the buggy can also be an operational vehicle fitted with a police radio and flashing blue lights, should the need arise for it to respond in an emergency.

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said GC-1 was a welcome addition to the city heading into summer when over one million residents and tourists are expected to visit the city precinct.

“Sydney is inherently a safe city and the presence of police using this innovative patrol vehicle will enhance the feeling of safety in these harbourside areas,” Mr Nicolaou said.

Two officers will crew the buggy each day over summer, and into 2024.

Superintendent Martin Fileman, Commander of Sydney City Police Area Command and Constable Amelia Wilkinson pictured in Darling Harbour with the new police golf cart. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

CEO of the International Convention Centre CEO Geoff Donaghy, who will garage the buggy at the end of each day, said the police buggy was a welcome addition.

“As Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment venue that hosts 1.4 million visitors to events every year from international and local locations - we welcome the opportunity that the GC-1 brings to support the precinct’s continued security,” Mr Donaghy said.