Exodus of Territory cops puts pressure on frontline and morale

TWENTY-FIVE police officers have left the NT Police Force since October 1 and the NT Police Association is warning more will leave unless morale and leave entitlements are addressed

Low morale is affecting the NT Police Force says NTPA president Paul McCue: Picture: Che Chorley.

TWENTY-FIVE cops have left the NT Police Force since October 1 and the NT Police Association (NTPA) is warning more will leave unless morale and leave entitlements are addressed.

NTPA president Paul McCue said morale was low due to the challenging times officers had faced as well as leave entitlements being restricted because COVID-19 demands.

“Morale has definitely taken a hit, made worse given the limited leave and time off they have been able to access since the onset of COVID-19,” Mr McCue said.

“The uncertainty on when members can take leave is also having a negative impact, with officers not knowing what leave they will be able to access at this time for the year ahead.”

Mr McCue said eyebrows had been raised at the decision for Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker to take weeks of leave, while cops on the ground haven’t had that luxury.

“Officers have made significant comment to our office regarding the length of time Mr Chalker has taken off, particularly given the many officers who had their leave cancelled or reduced significantly,” he said.

“It has certainly raised many eyebrows given the impact reduced leave has had on our frontline.”

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Acting Commissioner Michael Murphy thanked the hard work of officers over the past year.

“Our police officers are a highly committed workforce who have been asked to take on new tasks such as serving at border control points at numerous remote locations across the Territory where no infrastructure existed,” he said.

“And they’ve had leave cancelled or delayed to ensure we have the resources available for the continued protection of Territorians.

“Nearly all other jurisdictions are currently recruiting and it’s a competitive market for law enforcement recruits.”

He said the force’s recruitment program “planned to maintain a force that will serve and protect all Territorians into the future” with constable squads to graduate in March and April.

Mr McCue said the addition of the new recruits would not be felt for months.

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He also flagged concerns around the loss of experience as older cops left the force.

“It is not just the numbers leaving, it is the experience on the ground which is having an effect. This must be a concern for government, particularly given the number of interstate police forces heavily recruiting,” he said.