Squad of auxiliary liquor inspectors begin training to fight alcohol-related issues

THE second squad of auxiliary liquor inspectors will be sworn in on Friday as they begin 13 weeks of training

The new cohort of NT Police Liquor Inspectors Saajan Bhattarai and Margarita Elliot will be sworn in today to begin their 13 weeks of training. PICTURE: Katrina Bridgeford

THE second squad of auxiliary liquor inspectors will be sworn in on Friday as they begin 13 weeks of training.

The controversial role has drawn concerns from the NT Police Association over training and being forced to work alone.

Once training is completed in December the squad will be transferred to Alice Springs and Katherine to man bottle shops.

Saajan Bhattarai was inspired to apply for the role as he hadn’t seen any other Nepalese people in the police force.

“I wanted this job because I haven’t seen any Nepalese police officers in Darwin and this is a great opportunity for me to get into the NT Police force and serve my community and be a role model,” he said.

He believed he would be well equipped to handle a weapon and deal with any situation once graduated.

Margarita Elliot is hoping to make a difference in Katherine when she graduates.

“I’m really excited about this opportunity to be on the frontline and preventing these alcohol-fuelled crimes in a very proactive way,” she said.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Nicole Manison said she had full confidence in the PALI’s ability to perform their job once graduated.

“This is about increasing community safety by tackling alcohol and the harm that it creates in the community,” she said.

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Darwin and Palmerston will not have PALIs but Ms Manison said if police found it necessary to man bottle shops from time to time then they were free to do so.

NTPA president Paul McCue said they opposed officers working alone.

“The NTPA acknowledge alcohol-related harm is causing devastation in our community, and can be attributed to a significant portion of work police undertake,” he said.

“Other measures of reform must be fast-tracked to assist police who undertake the very difficult job of reducing alcohol-related harm, including looking at the number of outlets overall, and how many hours they are open for trade.”