The Rockliff Liberal Government is continuing to invest into Tasmania Police with a further 17 constables graduating today from the Tasmania Police Academy.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the Tasmanian Government has invested more than $730 million in additional funding into Tasmania Police since 2014 and is committed to increasing police numbers to help protect Tasmanian communities.
“There have never been more police in Tasmania than there are today with police numbers, including today’s recruits, now at 1459,” Minister Ellis said.
“Run as a pilot course, this group of recruits took part in Tasmania Police’s first ever mentorship program which involved 10 weeks of in-field training at police stations across the State.
“This extended on-the-job training has made sure our newest officers are job ready when they hit the beat next week.
“Additional officers has also allowed our Government to establish the Crime and Intelligence Command, the Road Policing Service, a full time Special Operations Group and the Family and Sexual Violence Command.
“With more constables available at our 24/7 stations serving their local communities, we can start transferring our Special Operation Group members to full-time work and we are on track to deliver our election commitment to have 20 full-time members in place by July 2024.
“The permanent Special Operations Group will be located in both the North and South of the State in new purpose-built facilities.
“Special Operations Group members are highly trained, specialist tactical officers, who are equipped to respond to a wide range of security situations.
“The Special Operations Group has access to specialised equipment, including the armoured vehicle (Bear Cat), ballistic shields and less-lethal weapons, which have the potential to resolve high risk incidents while reducing the risk of injury to members of the public, front-line police and suspects.
“Special Operations Group members can also be deployed during high-risk policing incidents in response to security threats or to support criminal investigations, including incidents such as sieges, hostage situations or instances of high-risk arrests.
“Of the 17 constables graduating today, three will go to Launceston, five to Glenorchy, four to Bellerive, three to Devonport and two to Burnie.
“We wish our new officers every success as they embark on a diverse, challenging and rewarding career with Tasmania Police, and we encourage other Tasmanians to consider this as a fantastic career option,” Minister Ellis said.
