NEW POLICING MODEL NOT THE KEY TO FIGHTING CRIME IN ARMADALE

Local MLA, Dr Tony Buti, has little confidence that the drop in local crime figures can
continue.

Dr Buti said, “Recently released figures showing a reduction in crime in the South
East Metro are unsustainable under the current policing model.”

“The key to the success was the delivery of 50 extra police into the district but these
police numbers cannot be maintained because the WA Police do not have enough
officers.”

“It is my understanding that when the police blitz was over the extra officers returned
to their normal rostered stations in other areas.” he said.

“My concern is the South East Metro area will then slip back into the old pattern of
higher crime rates, lack of adequate police, and slow response times.”

“The 200 police officers who recently took voluntary redundancies are yet to be
replaced, and we are still short of the last 100 extra police which were promised at
the 2008 election.”

“None of the extra officers promised in the 2013 election have been recruited and the
Barnett Government is forcing police officers to use up outstanding leave which is
creating more police shortages in every district,” he said.

“This failure by the State Government to keep their community safety promises
means WA police are being forced to do more with less.”

Dr Buti said, “This cut-price policing puts a terrible strain on the police and their
ability to respond adequately to crime. In the end it is local residents who will pay the
price.”

Media contact: Tony Buti 0415 662 747