Model of improvement

This was in line with the new Police Operating Model that was trialled in the district from November last year.

‘Crime is down, demand on policing resources is down and the district has a higher degree of control over its resources than before. It’s also worth noting there has been significantly improved public satisfaction with police, with a greater emphasis on local issues,’ Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan said.

The Kensington Local Policing Team had a win, with its Twitter account gaining over 1200 followers.

Kensington Senior Sergeant Ash Goy said the new model had allowed his staff to get out and meet the community in a variety of ways.

‘Statistics show crime has reduced dramatically and the community has an increased confidence in the police,’ he said.

Belmont Senior Sergeant Peter Arancini said the model had been instrumental in providing Belmont’s local teams with the ability to enhance community engagement opportunities and implement crime reduction strategies.

The new model is set to be rolled out and in place in all metropolitan districts by the end of the year.

It relies on running larger districts, made up of at least 500 sworn personnel.

South-east metro now has the right number of officers and will continue to operate under the new model, but changes will be required to the current structure of the rest of the metropolitan area.

Perth will end up with four metropolitan districts, each closely matched in both officer numbers and demand.

Mr O’Callaghan said effective management of these larger districts is made possible by dividing roles into Response, Local Policing Teams and Investigations, co-ordinated through a 24/7 District Control Centre.