The Hodgman Liberal Government continues to deliver on its commitment to boost frontline police numbers to help keep Tasmanian communities safe.
During this term of Government we committed to recruit a further 125 police officers and this process is already begun with graduations in December 2018 and April 2019 increasing police numbers by a further 21 officers to 1254 full-time equivalents.
This year’s Budget will maintain this momentum with ongoing funding for more police recruitment with the first course for 2019 currently underway at the Police Academy and second course due to start in August 2019.
Between 2014 and 2018 we successfully restored the 108 police office numbers savagely cut by Labor and the Greens because we are strong supporters of community safety and boosting frontline police capacity.
The Budget is also investing for growth with $10 million for the construction of police stations at New Norfolk and Longford with the planning and development of these new purpose-built facilities continuing this year.
The $12 million investment in a new Emergency Services Hub at Sorell will start this year with the planning phase and also acquisition of land for the hub.
Since the election we have been working to ensure Tasmania Police have the tools they need to crack down on crime.
Last year we passed legislation on Outlaw Motorcycle Gang colours and consorting, as well as ongoing funding to roll-out of body-worn cameras to frontline officers, with over 260 body-worn camera devices deployed to officers across the State.
The Hodgman Liberal Government makes no apology for being tough on crime and backing our police force as they protect our communities and keep Tasmanians safer.