The Liberal National Government has committed $282million over four years to deliver its election promise to recruit an extra 550 police and police auxiliary officers over the next four years, as well as carry out infrastructure upgrades to house the officers.
Treasurer Troy Buswell said WA Police had been allocated $215million over four years to continue its strong police recruitment program and $67million over four years for capital works projects.
“This is a significant funding commitment by the State Government and highlights our focus on improving safety in the community,” Mr Buswell said.
Police Minister Liza Harvey said the funding would mean more officers on the beat than ever before.
“50 of these police officers will be recruited in 2013-14 for a new rapid response unit south of the river and 33 police auxiliary officers will also be recruited for general duties,” Mrs Harvey said.
“The infrastructure upgrades will take place where they are most needed, in particular in Perth’s outer suburbs.”
Mrs Harvey said the new recruitment program would be on top of the 100 police officers to be recruited by June 2014 as part of the Government’s previous growth program.
“The Liberal National Government is continuing its already strong commitment to community safety by investing in more police and police resources,” she said.
“We will continue to invest in our local and regional communities to ensure we are building stronger and safer societies.”
Fact File
Since the Liberal National Government’s first budget, WA Police have added 250 additional police and 150 police auxiliary officers. The Government is on track to recruit the final 100 police officers as part of this commitment by June 2014
Reported assaults against police officers dropped by 28% in the first 12 months after the Liberal National Government introduced mandatory sentencing legislation
During the last term, the Liberal National Government spent a record $272m on police facilities and equipment, including the new $93m Perth Police Centre, $142m for radio networks, $20m for a crime-fighting helicopter and 48 new high-tech police cars
Under the Liberal National Government, WA police officers are among the best paid in the nation following a 13.25% pay rise over three years
Treasurer’s office - 6552 6400
Police Minister’s office - 6552 5900
