Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, together with Tenterfield Shire Mayor Cr Bronwyn Petrie and her Deputy Cr Greg Sauer, on Monday (16 December) convened a meeting with two Superintendents to discuss policing and related matters in the Local Government Area.

Ms Saffin and Cr Petrie thanked Acting Superintendent Dave Cooper (New England Police District), who has responsibility for Tenterfield, and Superintendent Scott Tanner APM, whose Richmond District takes in Drake, Urbenville and Legume, for their responsiveness.

In a joint statement, the MP and Mayor noted that in recent times, crime has been the topic of community conversation in the Tenterfield area, with some residents feeling that they were not covered with a 24/7 policing presence. 

“The situation is that we do have 24/7 policing; we have a permanent police presence with a few vacancies, but a commitment to secure more police from the next class attesting from the Goulburn Police Academy. We also sought and received a commitment to higher visibility policing in Tenterfield’s streets,” they stated.

“The numbers entering the Academy from a low point of double-digit recruits a few years back are now increasing exponentially due to two significant NSW Government policy changes – wages paid during training and an historic wage increase for serving police since November. More than 1,000 recruits are expected to attest next year, further strengthening the ranks of the NSW Police Force.

“We urge Tenterfield Shire residents to report crime on the following numbers – 000 for all emergencies; 131 444 (the Police Assistance Line) for non-urgent police assistance, reporting minor crime and general inquiries; or 1800 333 000 (Crime Stoppers) to report criminal information. All calls will be triaged and responded to.”