Police Posting Debate Continues

The Commander of the region’s police force says it is not possible to fill all staff vacancies.

Politicians and the police union are angry that none of the 130-recruits who just graduated from the Goulburn Academy will be sent to the north coast.

They say there is a chronic shortfall in staff numbers in the region and the issue needs urgent action.

But Assistant Commissioner Carleen York says staffing levels on the north coast are running at about 80-percent.

“You always have police on leave, sick leave or holiday and things like that, so I don’t know that we’ve ever realised 100% non-vacancy rates with police on the streets.” Asst Comm York said.

“We look at how we roster and we’re resourced accordingly, but when it gets below 80% that becomes an issue and we really start to focus on it – a couple of those areas in the region do have 80% so they’re certainly at the forefront of my mind,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Clarence MP Steve Cansdell says the ratio of people to police on the north coast is well above the state average.

He says a shortage of front-line officers leads to long response times when crimes are reported.

“When you’ve got the ration of one police officer for every 500 across the state, on the north coast you’ve got one for 700, in the Clarence you’ve got one for a thousand, in the Lower Clarence it’s one to 1500, come holiday times there’s one police officer for every 2200 people,” Mr Cansdell said.

“I mean that’s just ridiculous,” he said.

10 May 10

• Fast Train Boosts Rail Hopes
• North Coast Trials New Electricity Technology
• Grapes of wrath at gaping path
• Increased Airport Fees Not Significant: REX
• Arson Attack Takes Out Phone Lines
• Swan Fails to Thrill
• Ad Scam Targets Local Businesses
• Police Posting Debate Continues
• Slowing Consumer Demand may 'Impact' Traders
• Rain Eases but Flood Warning Remains
• Rego Hike Sparks Backlash
• Garrett Grilled Over Insulation
• Rates Cap a Con
• Police Say More Officers Needed at Riot Scene
• Kyogle Pheonix from the Ashes
• Worst Yet to Come for Queensland Builders
• Flood Warning for Northern Rivers
• Maclean Council Consider Supermarket Plan
• Rail Freight Terminal Planned for Casino
• Students Protest over School Brawl Death
• Rudd in Lismore for Health Talks
• Government Plans to Increase Fuel
• Sleepers Boost Grafton Jobs
• NSW Floods Recede
• Northern NSW Firefighters Offer Vic Help
• Stimulus Package Sent to Senate
• Sales Soar After Cash Injection
• Sales Soar After Cash Injection
• NSW Cans Petrol Subsidy
• Speedier Development Worries LGA Chief

NRBM
T: 02 6685 4516
F: 02 6685 4518
W: Northern Rivers Business magazine
E: email Northern Rivers Business Magazine
P: PO Box 130 Suffolk Park NSW 2481

Northern Rivers Web Design

The Small Print:
Notice: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. The views expressed in Northern Rivers Business Magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the editor or publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, internet or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.