NT Police members quit force, chase other career opportunities

NT Police Deputy Commissioner Murray Smalpage says the departure of several police members in a fortnight was not unexpected.

NT Police Deputy Commissioner Murray Smalpage says the departure of 14 police members in a fortnight was not unexpected.

He said the recruitment strategy had taken the resignations of the police members into account.

The resigning staff including sergeants, senior constables and auxiliaries.

“NT Police have previously outlined recruiting going on nationally – and several of these resignations follow our officers going to other policing careers outside of the NT,” Mr Smalpage said.

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He said the movement would allow for promotions of current staff. He said one of the sergeants resigning was taking up a position with the ICAC as an investigator which was “a reflection of the high regard in which NTPA is held”.

NT Police Association president Paul McCue said the loss of cops and auxiliaries would impact staffing.

“It would be foolish to suggest having so many resignations in a two-week period will not affect frontline capability in some way,” Mr McCue said.

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“Rosters are continuing to be filled with officers who are willing to work overtime shifts to fill the gaps, so this will add to that burden.”

Mr McCue said he had been assured the recent graduation of recruits and new recruits would make up for the attrition.

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