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Frontline fatigue warning

Staff ReporterCanning Gazette

The six-month trial of Frontline in the ditrict by Armadale, Gosnells, Canning Vale, Cannington, Belmont and Kensington stations is at the halfway mark.

It has involved separating officers into teams, including response teams that attend calls for help, freeing local policing teams to concentrate on area-specific problems.

WA Police Union president George Tilbury said evidence from members was the trial was causing fatigue and stress.

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‘Response teams are going from job to job and often do not have the opportunity to take specified breaks,’ he said.

He said the union had been in constant contact with members taking part in the trial and would consult with them at its completion in April to ensure WA Police was aware of all issues.

Inspector Brad Royce said teams had to travel from task to task in busy times.

‘In exceptional situations, where officers are unable to take a meal break, it is policy for a claim to be lodged and the officer paid in lieu,’ he said.

Insp Royce said overtime and missed meal break claims had actually reduced compared to the same period last year.