Six new police officers will soon be welcomed to the Oxley Police District following the allocation of 550 new officers in the NSW Police Force this financial year.

The final allocation of positions delivers on the State Government’s $583 million commitment for 1500 extra police positions over four years.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson welcomed the new police, which will arrive in the region following a campaign in partnership with the local police and the community.

“Our police have been doing a fantastic job protecting our community, and they particularly deserve our thanks in the wake of Operation Western Mongoose which has been driving down property crime in the district,” Mr Anderson said.

“Following meetings with the community, local police, the NSW Police Western Region Commander, I wrote to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole seeking his support.

“I am thrilled that the Minister has now announced six new officers to the Oxley Police District, which is a significant boost to our district, and will help our local police get in front of crime.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the commitment represented the biggest increase in police numbers across the State in more than 30 years.

“We’re boosting every area and aspect of the NSW Police Force – including our general duties police, domestic violence specialist investigators, police prosecutors, counter terrorism police and organised crime squads,” Mr Toole said.

“These extra positions mean more proactive policing, more foot patrols, more visibility of police in high-risk areas, more support for victims, and more time to investigate crime.

“An effective police force requires the support and resources to stay ahead of the game and disrupt crimes before they occur.”

“These six new police officers are in addition to the five new Probationary Constables that arrived in June as well as the crime investigator, 2 rural crime officers and administration officer announced for Gunnedah in April,” Mr Anderson added.