The Tasmanian Government is delivering a strong focus on backing in the everyday heroes that keep Tasmanians safe.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the Government is ensuring police have the resources and powers they need to keep Tasmanians safe.
“Tasmanians will have noticed an increase police presence in their communities, with record numbers of police on the beat following seven recruit courses undertaken this year alone,” Minister Ellis said.
“There’s no doubt about it, we are growing our police force to record levels.”
As the Tasmanian Government continues to crack down on crime, Tasmania Police have begun trialling the use of metal detection wands to conduct non-invasive searches for knives.
“The trial of metal detection wands under existing laws will inform the development of our new knife crime Bill, Reid’s Law, which will deliver greater search powers for police and stronger penalties for offenders carrying dangerous weapons in public.
“The community expects action on knife crime, and this trial – together with our legislative reforms – will achieve that.”
The Government has also deployed a permanent Police Strikeforce team with 20 Police Officers that are targeting serial offenders and bringing them to justice.
“We’ve made it clear that our Government is not going to tolerate crime in our communities. If you break the law, we will find you and we will throw the book at you,” Minister Ellis said.
The safety of our children and most vulnerable has also been brought to the forefront, with the introduction of some of the toughest child protection laws in the country.
The Sex Offender Bill will allow a parent or guardian of a child to ask about a specific person who has regular, unsupervised access to their child to see if they are listed on the sex offender register.
“Protecting our children and most vulnerable from sex offenders is an absolute priority – no ifs, buts, or maybes,” Minister Ellis said.
“Our reforms give power to our parents and caregivers by giving them the information they need to protect their children, and those most vulnerable in our community.
“Tasmanians have told us they want a government who keeps them safe, and through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, that’s exactly what we are doing.”
