Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced an increase in new police numbers in the Cootamundra electorate thanks to the first allocation of a $583 million NSW Government investment.
A total of 19 new officers will boost police numbers in the Riverina, Hume, Chifley and Murrumbidgee Police Districts over the next 12 months to walk the beat and respond to emergencies in the local community.
“This is fantastic news for the Cootamundra electorate and an investment which will help protect our communities with an increased presence in the form of boots on the ground,” Ms Cooke said.
“Riverina Police District is receiving six new officers, including one specialised child protection register officer, the Hume Police District and Chifley Police District will receive five new officers each, while Murrumbidgee Police District will receive three new officers.
“I am so proud to welcome these men and women to our beautiful part of NSW and wish them every success in their policing careers as they settle in to our communities.
“Where precisely these officers will be located is an operational decision, which will be made known to us once it is determined where they can best be allocated to prevent, disrupt and respond to emerging crime issues.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government was delivering record investment to frontline services for schools and hospitals, as well as police and emergency services.
“In addition to more local police, the NSW Police Force will boost the ranks of high-visibility teams, as well as specialist crime-fighters devoted to strategic intelligence and cybercrime.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said NSW has some of the lowest crime rates in 20 years, and the changing nature of crime meant it was vital more police were introduced into the ranks.
“This is a major boost to ensure police have the resources they need to protect the community. These officers include specialist police to deal with aged crime prevention, and to monitor offenders on the Child Protection Register,” Mr Elliott said.
