- WA Police resources boosted in Kalgoorlie-Boulder to allay community concerns
- Additional assets funded through the Cook Government’s $11.8 million Operation Regional Shield
- Police strike teams are suppressing antisocial behaviour and enhancing public safety
The number of police officers and other operational assets patrolling the Goldfields has surged as part of the Cook Government’s response to concerns surrounding antisocial behaviour.
Additional resources are being deployed through Operation Regional Shield, a State-wide operation that enables WA Police to rapidly expand assets throughout country Western Australia.
Initially designed to combat youth crime in the Kimberley, Operation Regional Shield had its funding significantly expanded in the 2023-2024 State Budget to enhance the WA Police Force’s ability to suppress and disrupt offending anywhere across WA.
Police strike teams are made up of specialist officers from the Regional Operations Group and Regional Investigations Unit, with additional support from the Police Air Wing, Licensing Enforcement Division and State Intelligence Portfolio.
The announcement comes just weeks after a major WA Police investigation, led by the Gold Stealing Detection Unit, dismantled an allegedly dangerous and elaborate plot to refine 30 tonnes of gold-bearing ore.
As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:
“Operation Regional Shield allows the WA Police Force to rapidly deploy officers or other assets when and where they are needed anywhere across WA.
“This is an overt and targeted effort to supress and disrupt antisocial behaviour in the region.
“Enhancing police efforts in Kalgoorlie-Boulder will not only increase the visible police presence significantly but will also provide tactical support to disrupt antisocial activity.
“The police action is in direct response to concerns raised during meetings between myself, Kalgoorlie MP Ali Kent, senior WA Police, community leaders and the local liquor accord.
“Additional Licensing Enforcement Division staff will bolster efforts already being made to crackdown on sly grogging and ensure the recently enhanced Banned Drinkers Register is being enforced.
“Regional Shield has already delivered real results across multiple locations – now it will further improve public safety in the Goldfields.”
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
“Antisocial behaviour is not acceptable and won’t be tolerated in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
“This immediate action is a result of the Cook Government listening, engaging and acting on community concerns.
“I welcome the additional police presence and foot patrols throughout the CBD and thank WA Police for their swift response.
“In addition, the State Government is funding extra return to country services to get people who don’t have ready access to transport back to their communities and homes as soon as possible.
“There is no simple solution to antisocial behaviour. Long term resolutions require a multi-agency approach. I will continue to collaborate, work hard and engage with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder on behalf of my community.”
