NSW Police Force is introducing a policing tactic pioneered in the United Kingdom, used to disrupt a range of criminality and maximise public safety.
Project Servator sees police, businesses, community partners and the public working together, and is already in use in various parts of the UK, including London, after it was pioneered by the City of London Police in 2014.
The tactic will see the deployment of both high visibility and plain clothed police officers, who can be supported by specialist units. The deployments can happen anywhere and at any time and include police officers specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs of individuals who may be planning to commit a crime.
As part of the tactics, officers will engage more with the public while on patrol, including businesses, to raise awareness of Project Servator and encourage every member of the community to be their extra eyes and ears.
Project Servator has been successful in gathering intelligence that has assisted Counter Terrorism Units across the UK in investigating and preventing acts of terror.
It has resulted in many arrests for a multitude of offences and is responsible for removing firearms, knives and drugs from the streets.
The tactics were developed and tested by security experts at the UK's Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) in partnership with the City of London Police.
The public can distinguish Project Servator patrols by the patch that officers will wear on their sleeve. Deployments will see police having conversations with members of the public, who are welcome and encouraged to approach police and assist in any way.
Investigations and Counter Terrorism Deputy Commissioner, Dave Hudson, said Project Servator adds to existing policing methods to protect the community.
"Project Servator has been implemented and refined over five years by experts in the UK, but the model is well suited to NSW.
"We have the benefit of learning from previous Project Servator operations conducted in the UK, which have resulted in hundreds of pieces of evidence being gathered in recent years, as well as arrests for various offences including firearms, drugs, and theft.
"While not all patrols will involve specialist units, Project Servator can – and will if necessary – utilise any specialist police resources.
"It's important to note that this tactic is not targeting a specific type of crime, nor is it in response to a particular threat or concern. It is a way of detecting, deterring and disrupting those who may be planning to commit a crime, as well as making the public feel safe.
Metropolitan Field Operations Deputy Commissioner, Jeff Loy, said the patrols are intended to become business as usual in the community.
"Project Servator will serve as an all-inclusive, combined effort between the public and police in disrupting all levels of crime," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
"The community can expect to see unpredictable, high-visibility police deployments at various locations, initially in Sydney but potentially elsewhere as well.
"Uniformed, plain clothes and specialist officers will be out in force and engaging with local businesses and people going about their daily activities.
"I encourage people to take the time to talk to patrolling officers who will be easily identifiable with Project Servator signage and high visibility arm bands," Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
Assistant Commissioner Alistair Sutherland, the UK's national policing lead for Project Servator, said he welcomed the New South Wales Police Force to the Project Servator family.
"New South Wales are the first police force outside of UK policing to adopt Project Servator. They join 22 UK police forces in using the approach to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, whilst providing a reassuring presence for the public.
"Project Servator is a powerful addition to existing tactics the New South Wales Police Force already use to keep the people of Sydney safe. We are delighted to be able to support them in bringing Project Servator to the southern hemisphere," Assistant Commissioner Sutherland said.
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, welcomes this innovative policing approach to deal with the spectrum of criminal behaviours.
"Sydney has a vibrant business community and is a major tourist hub. Project Servator will place police on the front foot to prevent crimes occurring and keep our city safe.
"This government is committed to providing the resources police need. Project Servator will further strengthen the visible security measures already in place to keep everyone who comes here safe and secure," he said.
"The message to the community is: don't leave it to someone else. Police are performing outstanding work but they need the public to report any suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400."
Prior to today's launch, Project Servator has already seen results after deployments around the Sydney CBD in recent months.
Officers patrolling major Sydney locations have identified a number of people and incidents that posed a potential danger to the community.
Patrolling police have detected various offences such as breaches of Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), possession of prohibited weapons, knives, and drugs in public places, truancy, and transport-related offences.
Project Servator deployments will take place at any place and any time, and the community is urged to do what they can to support this vital tool in disrupting crime and maximising public safety.
Anyone with information that can assist Project Servator is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au, National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400, or Triple Zero (000) in the instance of an emergency. Information is treated in strict confidence.
