The Northern Territory Police Force's first squad of Police Public Safety Officers (PPSOs) have made an immediate impact, supporting frontline policing across Greater Darwin during their first week on duty, including assisting with Territory Day celebrations and Operation Ventura.
After graduating last Friday, the inaugural cohort commenced duties this week and have already been deployed across Operation Ventura, high-visibility patrols, joint agency operations and major community events.
Assistant Commissioner Brendan Muldoon said the new PPSOs had quickly become a valuable addition to frontline policing.
"Our first PPSOs have hit the ground running and have already made a real difference in the community."
"They were out supporting our members at Mindil Beach during the Territory Day celebrations, helping keep the community safe while engaging positively with the thousands of Territorians enjoying the event."
"This is exactly what the PPSO model was designed for, providing a visible presence, working alongside partner agencies and allowing sworn police to focus on more complex policing matters."
Six PPSOs are currently attached to Operation Ventura, working day and evening shifts alongside police and partner agencies. A further seven PPSOs have been deployed across Darwin and the northern suburbs, while the remaining members are conducting social order duties across Greater Darwin.
Since commencing duties, PPSOs have partnered with Public Housing Safety Officers, Transit Safety Officers, the Department of Education, Crown Lands, Palmerston City Council, Family and Youth Services and Yilli Housing to deliver coordinated community safety patrols.
In just their first few days of operations, PPSOs have achieved:
- 82 reassurance patrols
- 27 high-visibility foot patrols
- 163 persons moved on
- 127 litres of alcohol destroyed
- 32 Banned Drinker Orders issued
- 17 people taken into protective custody
- Nine arrests
- Nine infringement notices issued
PPSOs will continue supporting major community events, including the Top End Bull Spectacular this weekend, while maintaining a strong high-visibility presence across Darwin.
For the past six weeks, Operation Ventura has delivered a sustained, high-visibility policing response across Palmerston through close collaboration with partner agencies. The operation has focused on illegal camping, youth engagement, anti-social behaviour, public housing hotspots and licensed premises.
Assistant Commissioner Muldoon said while Operation Ventura would conclude after its planned eight-week deployment, the work would continue.
"Over the past six weeks, Operation Ventura has demonstrated the value of that approach. Officers have engaged with more than 4,100 people, conducted almost 3,000 high visibility patrols, issued more than 200 Banned Drinker Orders, tipped out nearly 1,800 litres of alcohol, made 99 arrests and seized 24 weapons. We're also seeing encouraging reductions in anti-social behaviour, public drinking and alcohol-related harm across Palmerston.
"While Operation Ventura will conclude after its planned eight-week deployment, the work won't stop there. Our new PPSOs will continue building on those results, maintaining a visible presence, working alongside partner agencies and helping keep Territorians safe every day."
Considering joining the PPSO steam, visit the website for more information.
