The McGowan Government is expected to deliver 98 additional police officers to regional Western Australia this year, as part of the $314 million boost to police numbers announced in the State Budget.
Premier Mark McGowan and Police Minister Michelle Roberts last week announced an additional 800 police officers over the next four years, meaning WA will have the highest number of officers per person of all the States.
These officers will be split between the city and the regions.
As part of the unprecedented investment in police numbers, 98 additional police officers will be allocated to regional WA in 2020-21 alone. They will fill roles including, general duties, court security and custody, youth policing and intelligence officers.
Allocations in future years will be subject to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and will be determined by the Police Commissioner.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Regional WA will be a big winner from this unprecedented investment in police numbers, with a significant portion allocated to regional communities.
"Nearly half of the new officers recruited this year will be deployed to regional WA, part of our commitment to keeping our State safe and strong.
"Regional communities will benefit from have a more visible police presence on the streets, in the areas they are needed most.
"My Government is proud of our commitment to keeping Western Australians safe, through the biggest single injection to police officer numbers in decades."
As stated by Police Minister Michelle Roberts:
"It's important that we support regional communities.
"Despite misleading claims by the Liberals and Nationals, there are already 110 more police officers in regional WA, than when they were in Government.
"WA is the biggest Policing jurisdiction in the word and our Police do an amazing job protecting communities throughout our vast State.
"This commitment by the Government demonstrates our determination to support our hardworking Police and ensure that all of WA receives a swift and effective response from our Police Force."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
