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Wednesday 16 February 2022

The WA Police Union are lobbying the WA Police Force for more officers and two McGowan Government departments for more support as their leaders embark on a two-day tour of the Kimberley region that’s experiencing a juvenile crime crisis.

Kids in the Kimberley have used stolen vehicles to ram cars containing police officers four times recently. The incidents, which resulted in officers receiving hospital treatment, are indicative of escalating juvenile crime in the region.

Last week, Mick Kelly, President of the WA Police Union, held meetings with Chris Dawson APM, Commissioner of Police, Darryl Gaunt APM, Assistant Commissioner Regional WA, and the Honourable Paul Papalia CSC MLA, Minister for Police, to relay the union’s concerns about the welfare of their Kimberley-based members.

This week, Mr Kelly and Paul Gale, Senior Vice President of the WA Police Union, are visiting Broome (today), Fitzroy Crossing (tomorrow) and Derby (tomorrow) to raise the spirits of members and view the deteriorating situation for themselves.

“The Kimberley needs the urgent attention of not only the WA Police Force, which must do more to attract officers to hard-to-fill locations such as Broome, Fitzroy Crossing and Derby but also the Department of Communities and the Department of Justice, neither of which is supporting our overloaded members,” said Mr Kelly.

“Our members work around the clock, but the same can’t be said for employees in the Communities and Justice departments. The Kimberley’s juvenile crime crisis requires 24/7 attention and action from all parties, not just our members, who are having to be social workers as well as law enforcers and community leaders.

“We’re heading for a tragedy unless our Kimberley-based members receive help.”

ABOUT US
Established in 1912, our membership consists of more than 7,000 police officers, police auxiliary officers and police cadets from all over the world’s largest single police jurisdiction, which covers more than 2.5 million square kilometres. We act as a passionate advocate, lobbying for better conditions and protections on behalf of our members to whom we provide services. We believe there’s strength in unity.

MEDIA CONTACT
Mark Worwood on 0479 187 970 or media@wapu.org.au.