Alice Springs crime: Territory Safety Division to establish 18 officers in Red Centre

With the world watching on as crime rates continue to make headlines, it has been announced that Alice Springs will be getting a full time, quick response unit. Find out more.

NT Police will be reinforced by an Alice Springs Territory Safety Division. Picture Mark Brake

An elite police unit will permanently operate out of Alice Springs amid the government’s push to combat crime spikes across the Red Centre.

On Thursday, the government announced an Alice Springs Territory Safety Division (TSD) would be established in the troubled town, tasked to provide rapid response to public disorder situations.

Police Minister Brent Potter confirmed assistant commissioner Janelle Tonkin would lead 18 officers who would form the foundation of the new team.

“The Territory Labor Government said more measures would be put in place following the youth curfew and (this) announcement is key to improving community safety and lowering crime across Alice Springs,” he said.

“We have seen the positive impact high visibility policing has made across Alice Springs and now the Territory Labor Government is establishing the specialised Alice Springs Territory Safety Division.”

The new 18-person team is on top of the 52 TSD officers announced for Darwin, bringing the planned total number of TSD numbers to 70 officers.

Police Minister Brent Potter (left) and Assistant Commissioner Martin Dole (right) announce the establishment of the Alice Springs Territory Safety Division. Picture: Supplied.

In April, Mr Potter announced the TSD had been granted a $16m year-on-year funding boost, and that from July, the TSD would be permanently based out of the Nightcliff Police Station.

The new team arrangement comes as relief to police, who previously had to deploy the Darwin-based TSD to the troubled town via a two hour plane flight.

It is expected the Alice Springs-based team will be able to provide emergency response to surrounding communities, including Tennant Creek.

The team have also been given the keys to four new operational vehicles – new capability with more to come, according to Mr Potter.

“We are investing more into the Northern Territory Police than ever before, more officers, better technology, added resources and new strategies to keep Territorians safe.”

No dates have been provided as to when the officers will hit the streets of Alice Springs.