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17 April 2020 

The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) has welcomed 56 new Constables who officially joined the ranks of the NT Police Force today, along with the graduation of ten Auxiliaries last week, but is warning the NT Government not to become complacent with recruitment.

NTPA President, Paul McCue, said this is the first Constable squad to graduate in almost 12 months. 

“I congratulate our newest members and pay tribute to the incredible work our Police College and Course Coordinators did in training our latest recruits. The additional numbers will be welcomed on the frontline, which is again shouldering the workload at a time of crisis. 

“The ad hoc recruitment from this NT Labor Government hasn’t worked. Plain and simple. 

“We would have expected to see a squad graduate last December to boost police numbers, particularly in Central Australia, over the busy summer period. That didn’t happen, and as a result we saw resources pulled from the Top End to deal with a crime spike in Alice Springs.

“The NTPA is calling for a commitment of a consistent and sustained recruitment program, each and every year, for Constables, Aboriginal Community Police Officers and Auxiliaries to exceed attrition. Since July 1st 2019, close to 60 officers have retired or resigned from the force.

“In our 2020 pre-election survey, our members were asked “Do you think the NT Government’s current police recruitment program is effective?” More than 91% of respondents indicated “No”. We believe that sends a pretty blunt message to the government. 

“Our members are currently on the frontline of the COVID-19 outbreak and we need to ensure there are enough officers to undertake those specific roles and responsibilities, as well as perform day to day policing duties”, said Mr McCue.

ENDS

Please direct all media enquiries to media@ntpa.com.au or by phone +61 (0) 8 8995 9520 

The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) is the industrial voice of all members of the Northern Territory Police Force. Read more via www.ntpa.com.au or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTPoliceAssociation