NT Police Association survey records 75pc of Territory police considering leaving the force

The Territory has three times as many cops as the rest of the country, but a new survey has found three quarters of the force have made plans to walk away. What the union say is needed.

The Northern Territory Police Association president Nathan Finn said the latest survey found 98 per cent of officers do not believe there are enough police in the Territory Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Three-quarters of surveyed Territory cops have made plans to ditch the force within the last six months, according the union.

The Northern Territory Police Association’s latest survey found 98 per cent of officers do not believe there are enough police in the Territory.

This is despite the Productivity Commission finding that once again, the NT was the most policed state in Australia with more than seven cops for every 1000 people.

This is nearly three times the national average.

The NTPA survey of 713 cops found 90 per cent had worked overtime in the past three months, with 61 per cent saying they were asked to do jobs outside their usual duties due to resourcing or staffing issues.

More than 90 per cent of cops said they feel unsupported by the government.

The union recorded the best morale rates in three years, with an 18 per cent boost in outlook compared to 2023.

However, three in five cops still reported having low morale on the job.

Additionally fewer police said they had planned their exit strategy, a 9 per cent drop compared to 2023.

Union president Nathan Finn said the survey results should come as a surprise to no one, particularly amid the ongoing NT Police Force Resource Allocation Review.

“This data reinforces what our members have been saying for years: the NT Police Force doesn’t have enough officers to meet the demand for a policing response right across the Territory,” Mr Finn said.

Mr Finn said the chronic understaffing and under resourcing had resulted in “excessive” overtime and burnout.

Police minister Brent Potter said he was committed to listening to frontline cops to see how real, evidence-based improvements could be made.

Mr Potter said the Police Review would provide solutions to improving the “effectiveness and efficiency” of the force.

NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy and Police Minister Brent Potter. Picture: Fia Walsh

“Policing is not the sole solution to the problems we face here in the Northern Territory, as such it is important we support our Police Force through investing in multifaceted and multi-agency approaches to create long-term meaningful change,” he said.

Country Liberal Party leader Lia Finocchiaro outside her Spillett electorate office.

But opposition leader Lia Finocchario accused the government of doing a “diabolical job” amid the “crime crisis”.

She said despite police numbers being three times higher than the rest of Australia “crime has never been worse”.

She called for a “comprehensive reform” to meet resourcing and recruitment needs.

Police in the ground and leadership have told a coronial inquest that domestic violence made up 80 per cent of call-outs, however Ms Finocchario narrowed her criticism on the repeal of mandatory sentencing, a lack of bail electronic monitoring and alcohol policies.

Originally published as NT Police Association survey records 75pc of Territory police considering leaving the force