Darwin cops told not to tell public when they’re only ones on duty as force struggles with staffing restraints

POLICE officers in Darwin have been asked not to tell the public when they are the only ones on duty as the force struggles to cope with staffing restraints amid COVID-19

Police officers in Darwin are being asked not to tell the public when they are the only van on duty as the force struggles with low numbers

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POLICE officers in Darwin have been asked not to tell the public when they are the only ones on duty as the force struggles to cope with staffing restraints.

The NT News has obtained an email sent out to officers by a Superintendent on Friday outlining how recent rosters have been affected by staffing restraints.

“Providing a police service to the community during times of COVID-19 presents a number of unique challenges; these challenged impact all of us – from staffing numbers to rosters to overtime,” the email read.

“While the roster is posted with a minimum of two vans per shift, there will be, from time to time, due to unforeseen absences, less than that.”

The email said if there are times where staffing for two vans cannot be achieved, he asks that police:

1. Don’t stress about jobs on hold;

2. Do the task you are dispatched to and ensure the minimum response is achieved;

3. Yes, you will probably go from one job to the next but remember – some days are busy and some are relaxed – it is not every single shift that we are ‘flat out’;

4. Remember to ask Comms for your meal break(s) so they remember and it is recorded that you’ve asked for it and where it is declined that is recorded too;

5. Worry only about what is presented to you at the current job you are on, not what might be waiting or outstanding; and

NT Police Association President Paul McCue said they were holding urgent discussions with NT Police regarding ongoing resource constraints. Picture: Che Chorley

6. If you get to a job and the complainant/victim says, ‘that took a while to get here’ (or words to that effect), do not tell them that you are the only van on duty, just explain that it is a busy shift.

NT Police Association Paul McCue said they were holding urgent discussions with the NT Police regarding the rostering of members as part of the ongoing resource constraints to the frontline.

“Anecdotally, the strain of working long shifts (12 hours or more) with limited response crews is taking its toll,” he said.

“Many officers haven’t been able to access leave, and an increase in sick leave is now creating more strain on the ability of stations to have enough response crews on the road each shift.”

“While you cannot roster in anticipation of sick leave, it is our view the ongoing requirement to work long shifts, the inability to take leave, and the significant impact of having close to 100 officers tied up on COVID response duties is all playing a part in the negative impact this is having on rosters.”

NT Police’s Acting Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said police in Darwin were still well equipped to respond at any time.

“Across the Greater Darwin area, NT Police have a response capability operating from the three major 24/7 frontline stations (Darwin, Casuarina and Palmerston),” he said.

“Our response is managed by the Territory Duty Superintendent to ensure all matters are prioritised and responded to appropriately.”

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Police Minister Nicole Manison said no government has invested more in NT Police than theirs.

“We have put more police on the beat than ever before, and given them the best resources possible, including a record budget, more CCTV, and new police stations,” she said.

“Right now there are almost 100 more officers on the beat when compared to the same time last year, and we have 30 more constable recruits starting training next week.”

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