Minister for Police
Media Release
High Profile Police Unit Established in Alice Spring
2 May 2024
The Territory Labor Government is establishing a specialist Alice Springs Territory Safety Division to keep Red Centre residents safe and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
A team of 18 highly trained officers will form the Alice Springs Territory Safety division, a division with targeted responsibilities of youth crime, high visibility policing and rapid response to public order situations.
All officers and an extra 4 police vehicles will be based at the Alice Springs Police station and be led by highly regarded Assistant Commissioner Janelle Tonkin.
The 18 officers will be in addition to extra officers already in Alice Springs and the squad of new officers being deployed to Alice Springs in June.
Alice Springs residents can expect to see the new highly trained squad formed as soon as possible, which will have the capacity to provide surge responses to surrounding communities such as Tennant Creek if needed.
The permanent establishment of the Alice Springs Territory Safety Division is an important part of the Territory Labor Government’s common sense and comprehensive plan to lower crime in Alice Springs.
Additionally, the implementation of a multi-service community safety hub in Alice Springs is progressing well in partnership with traditional owners, with a location in the Todd Mall being explored.
The Alice Springs Community Safety Hub stems from the success of the Casuarina Community Safety Hub in Darwin which works with the public and alongside retailers to provide a safe space, streamlined access to information and provides a platform to discuss concerns or raise ideas with NT Police staff.
The Alice Springs Community Safety Hub will provide a modern, flexible and culturally appropriate facility that is focussed on achieving local partnerships and safer communities.
Quotes attributed to Minister for Police, Brent Potter:
“The Territory Labor Government said more measures would be put in place following the Youth Curfew and today’s announcement is key to improving community safety and lowering crime across Alice Springs.
“We have seen the positive impact high visibility policing has made across Alice Springs and now the Territory Labor Government is establishing the specialised Alice Springs Territory Safety Division.
“We are investing more into the Northern Territory Police than ever before, more officers, better technology, added resources and new strategies to keep Territorians safe.”
Northern Territory Government
