- $314 million to recruit 800 extra police officers included in State Budget
- On top of 300 extra officers already being delivered by the McGowan Government
- More frontline police on the beat to keep Western Australians safe
- McGowan Government building safer and stronger communities
To keep Western Australia safe and strong, the McGowan Labor Government has announced a massive boost to frontline police officers as part of its continued commitment to community safety and to manage COVID-19 safely.
The recruitment of an additional 800 sworn police officers is the biggest single injection of police officer numbers in decades, and is expected to result in WA having the highest number of police officers per person of all States.
The total number of new police funded by the McGowan Government since taking office is now 1,100 in total.
The $314 million allocated in this year's State Budget will provide for recruitment on top of regular attrition and flow on resourcing to the criminal justice system, and will result in a stronger and more visible police presence on our streets.
The State Government has worked with the Commissioner of Police to identify the number of frontline police officers needed to meet current and forecast demand over the next four years, and are delivering on that request in full.
Despite misleading claims by the Liberals, police numbers are up under the McGowan Government with a headcount as of last week showing 377 more officers than in June 2016.
By November next year that number will have increased, with a further 360 officers scheduled to be sworn in.
The McGowan Government's strong financial management has enabled record investment in community safety, with more than $755 million added to the WA Police Force's budget since the Liberals were in government.
On top of extra officers, the funding has included a roll out of major technological improvements including body worn cameras, personal issue mobile devices, Automatic Number Plate Recognition Technology, and protective vests to every frontline officer.
The comprehensive investment has paid dividends with Western Australia currently experiencing record low rates of crime across the State.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"We are committed to keeping our community safe and strong.
"WA Police continue to do an incredible job, especially in helping manage and police COVID-19 restrictions and the State of Emergency.
"Putting more police on the streets and boosting funding for frontline operations have been key priorities for my Government.
"Our police are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, keeping Western Australians safe.
"I'm proud to lead a Government that supports our police, not only by adding extra officers, but by ensuring they are equipped with the best and latest equipment possible to tackle the ongoing challenges of keeping our community safe.
"We are delivering better police services for Western Australia, all while being financially responsible."
Comments attributed to Police Minister Michelle Roberts:
"This commitment builds on our Government's record of recruiting more police and putting them where they are needed.
"More officers means more flexibility, a stronger police presence on our streets, safer roads and better response times.
"I note that at the last election, the Liberals made no commitment to add to police numbers.
"We, on the other hand, made that commitment and we have not only delivered, but we have worked closely with the Commissioner to identify and deliver on any additional resourcing requirements.
"Not only are we adding extra officers, but we are modernising our Police Force with new technology."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Police Minister's office - 6552 6900
