The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) says the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services Annual Report 2021-22, which was tabled in Parliament this week, should raise serious red flags for the Fyles Government around the recruitment and retention of police officers in the NT.
NTPA Senior Vice President Lisa Bayliss said, astonishingly, police numbers have declined.
“We have 35 less officers, compared with the previous financial year, and what’s more concerning is the fact we have 30 less Constables compared with 2020-21.
The 2021-22 Annual Report shows:
- 1,595.15 full time equivalent (FTE) police officers in 2019-20;
- 1,641.88 FTE in 2020-21; and
- 1,607.50 in 2021-22
“That means, only 12 officers have been added to the NT Police force since the 2019-20 Annual Report was released. This is further proof attrition is outweighing recruitment.
“While it’s pleasing to see continuous recruitment, and 78 Recruit Constables listed at the time the report was compiled, clearly not enough is being done by Government to support and retain members.
In our recent member survey, 93% of respondents said they do not think there are enough police in the NT to do what is being asked of them, and 75% rated morale in the NT Police Force as low, or very low.
“The Annual Report also highlights a spike in attrition from 4.53% in 2019-20, to 8.51% in 2020-21, and a further jump to 10.65% this financial year.
“When will this Government sit up and take notice? Crime is out of control, our police are overworked, understaffed, and exhausted. They don’t feel supported by Government and are leaving in droves.
“This has been further exacerbated by protracted wage negotiations. Pay our police what they deserve or watch them leave,” said Mrs Bayliss.
Source: https://territorystories.nt.gov.au/10070/893188/0/0
ENDS
Please direct all media enquiries to NTPA Communications Officer, Kyrrie Blenkinsop +61 (0) 499 017 654 or media@ntpa.com.au
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
