THE IMPENDING restructure of NSW Police’s regional commands has been met with scepticism by residents in “under-serviced” Riverina towns.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A number of superintendents will be cut and Local Area Commands either slashed or merged as part of the radical overhaul.
However, it was revealed on Tuesday the financial savings will allow for a two per cent statewide staffing increase.
The move comes amid growing unrest from those living in the Wagga Local Area Command’s wider-branching towns – who feel “left out”.
A former politician, who did not want to be identified, claimed police stations in Junee and Coolamon were unmanned during morning shifts.
He said it was “appalling”, expressing his sympathy to Superintendent Bob Noble and rank and file officers forced to fill the void.
“It is something that has been frustrating me for a while, having an unmanned Junee station,” he said.
“I've had a personal discussion with the premier and she has expressed sympathy for the people of Junee.
“Why should people be forgotten because of where they live.”
It is believed police currently use a cycle system to respond to incidents in the Riverina’s outskirts.
Cheryl Wilson, who spends four days a week in Ganmain with her family, alleges the town’s police station is often unoccupied in mornings.
“Why should a place with a lesser population receive inferior service,” she said.
Detective Inspector Darren Cloake refuted claims officers weren’t available.
“When the Coolamon officer is away; it is covered by the Junee sector and the same goes for townships like Ardlenthan – covered by Temora,” he said.
“If the day shift require additional resources; they either team up or call upon Wagga to assist.”
Wagga MP Daryl Maguire welcomed the addition of three Wagga recruits in May – bringing the total to 147 –but claimed five more officers were needed.