A deputy commissioner in charge of regional NSW is a major step forward for victims of rural crime, according to minister for police and justice and deputy premier Troy Grant.
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Mr Grant announced a “re-engineering” of the NSW police force on Thursday, stating the new structure will protect the community in the future, focus on evolving terrorism threats, the impacts of ice and other crimes on both suburban and regional communities.
Mr Grant said rural crime remains a high priority for him as a minister.
“Tacking rural crime is a high priority for the NSW government and today’s announcement, which for the first time dedicates a deputy commissioner in charge of regional NSW, is a major step forward,” he said following the announcement.
”The new Deputy Commissioner, when appointed, will drive the reform needed to reduce crime in regional NSW to ensure our communities are as a safe as possible, recognising the policing needs of regions are different from Sydney's.”
"The new Deputy Commissioner, when appointed, will drive the reform needed to reduce crime in regional NSW,"
- Troy Grant
The major announcement was for a new and enhanced executive structure which will see five additional positions reporting directly to the commissioner. This will expand deputy numbers from the current three. For the first time there will be a deputy dedicated to counter terrorism and major criminal investigations, and one for regional NSW.
Mr Grant said these deputies, once appointed, will be in charge of leading further reform in their areas of responsibility to make sure the force’s structure moves with shifting demographics and changing crime trends, including new local and global threats.
He mentioned regional communities struggling with the challenges of distance, ice problems, higher domestic violence rates and rural crime such as stock theft.
“The regions will both benefit from a tailored focus rather than a one-size-fits-all approach,” he said.
Mr Grant also mentioned the Bradshaw review, a review into rural crime which took place this year by travelling around western NSW to talk to people affected by stock theft and trespassing.
“The Bradshaw review into stock theft and trespass is a crucial piece of work that will assist the incoming Deputy Commissioner for Regional NSW Field Operations greatly. The report is currently being considered by Cabinet," he said.