NSW Police has today unveiled the latest high-visibility community policing tool, a police golf cart – call sign GC-1 – to bolster a positive police presence in the city's harbourside precincts.
Crewed by two police officers, GC-1 will help police develop community relationships in Sydney's harbourside precinct from Darling Harbour to Walsh Bay, and around Circular Quay.
The introduction of the policing vehicle also coincides with the ramping up of the 'Coffee with a Cop' initiative to enable police and business operators to meet informally and discuss a wide range of topics.
The Business Sydney-sponsored GC-1 is a joint project involving NSW Police, Business Sydney and International Convention Centre Sydney, which will provide a garage to house the police golf cart.
Sydney City Police Area Commander Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman said GC-1 is an innovative addition to the city's community policing capability in an important area of the city.
"Innovation and community policing go hand-in-hand and the GC-1 is an excellent example of a new way to build positive relationships with businesses and with the people who flock to the harbourside areas," Det Supt Fileman said.
"While it will be a unique vehicle in the police fleet, GC-1 will also be very much an operational vehicle fitted with a blue light, police signage and a platform for the usual police communication capability.
Executive Director of Business Sydney, Paul Nicolaou, says the organisation is thrilled to support the community initiative.
"Sydney is inherently a safe city and the presence of police using this innovative patrol vehicle will enhance the feeling of safety in these harbourside areas.
"The police golf cart will provide many opportunities for positive interaction between police officers and the community."
CEO, ICC Sydney and Group Director of Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy, said the partnership with Sydney City Police Area Command is all about keeping Sydney residents and visitors safe when they venture into the precincts.
"NSW Police do their utmost to keep the precinct safe and ICC Sydney is proud to support this great initiative. As Australia's premier convention, exhibition and entertainment venue that hosts 1.4 million visitors to events every year from international and local locations – we welcome the opportunity that the GC-1 will bring to support the precinct's continued security."
