The NSW Liberals & Nationals have announced a series of measures that, if elected, they will introduce to improved crime control in New South Wales.

 

The package includes:

  • Recruit an additional 550 police – taking the authorised strength of the Police Force to 16,356 officers by June 2014;
  • Boost the Highway Patrol by 100 Officers to increase police visibility and enforcement on the roads;
  • Purchase an additional 131 vehicles, including 50 Highway Patrol cars; and
  • Purchase a new Counter Terrorism helicopter to enable police to respond immediately to threats across the State.

 

Opposition leader, Barry O'Farrell said these initiatives were in addition to commitments of $69 million to build or upgrade up to eight additional police stations, install 100 extra number plate recognition units in Highway Patrol vehicles, purchase 25 additional Mobile Command Vehicles and boost DNA testing.

 

More than $20 million will also be spent on the construction of eight new Police and Community Youth Clubs and the upgrade of existing clubs.

 

Mr O'Farrell said all of the 550 Officers would be on the beat by June 2014, including 150 scheduled to be sworn in by December this year.