Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced an increase in new police numbers in the Cootamundra electorate thanks to the first allocation of a $583 million NSW Government investment.
However, the timing of the release and statements made, are at odds with Narrandera Shire Councils facebook page.
The Media Release from Cooke’s Office was released after 4:30pm on Tuesday July 2 towards the end of the day and stated…
A total of 19 new officers will boost police numbers in the Riverina, Hume, Chifley and Murrumbidgee Police Districts over the next 12 months to walk the beat and respond to emergencies in the local community.
“This is fantastic news for the Cootamundra electorate and an investment which will help protect our communities with an increased presence in the form of boots on the ground,” Ms Cooke said.
“Riverina Police District is receiving six new officers, including one specialised child protection register officer, the Hume Police District and Chifley Police District will receive five new officers each, while Murrumbidgee Police District will receive three new officers.
“I am so proud to welcome these men and women to our beautiful part of NSW and wish them every success in their policing careers as they settle in to our communities.
“Where precisely these officers will be located is an operational decision, which will be made known to us once it is determined where they can best be allocated to prevent, disrupt and respond to emerging crime issues.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government was delivering record investment to frontline services for schools and hospitals, as well as police and emergency services.
“In addition to more local police, the NSW Police Force will boost the ranks of
high-visibility teams, as well as specialist crime-fighters devoted to strategic intelligence and cybercrime.”…..
The facebook post by Narrandera Shire Council at 9:52am on Tuesday July 2 displayed information that decisions regarding postings had already been made.
It stated: “Today Chief Inspector John Wadsworth introduced a full complement of NSW Police officers for Narrandera Police station, with an officer also based at the newly renovated Barellan Police station.
The increase in Narrandera from as low as four officers during late 2017 to early 2018 will now see 12 active general duty officers on the ground protecting our community. This boost means that response times will be quick and effective, creating a safer place for Narrandera and Barellan residents.
Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka said of the announcement, “This is an excellent outcome for Narrandera Shire. It’s the result of strong advocacy on behalf of the Shire, by both Narrandera Shire Council and our Local Member Steph Cooke MP. That Barellan also now has a police officer is further indications of the support we are receiving from NSW Police to best service our Shire.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to the long standing officers at Narrandera Station who have worked hard during the difficult times when police numbers were well below full strength. Narrandera is a great place to live and I am pleased to see police and their families able to move here and become a part of our wonderful community,” Mayor Kschenka continued.
Chief Inspector John Wadsworth described how a full complement of officers will now benefit Narrandera Shire, “The town now has adequate policing to run multiple shifts and be not just reactive but proactive, getting out into the community a lot more.”
The statement by Narrandera Shire Council purports to show that decisions regarding deployment of Officers had already been before the media release supplied by Cooke’s office after 4:30pm Tuesday which stated otherwise. Cooke appears in the photo at Narrandera which was posted at 9:52am.
It is unclear which other towns in the electorate will benefit from additional Officers.
