High profile police unit established in Alice Springs

The Territory Government is establishing a specialist Alice Springs Territory Safety Division to keep Red Centre residents safe and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

A team of 18 highly trained officers will form the Alice Springs Territory Safety Division. This division has targeted responsibilities of:

• youth crime
• high visibility policing and
• rapid response to public order situations.

All officers and an extra 4 police vehicles will be based at the Alice Springs Police station and be led by highly regarded Assistant Commissioner Janelle Tonkin.

The 18 officers will be in addition to extra officers already in Alice Springs and the squad of new officers being deployed to Alice Springs in June. They will have the capacity to provide surge responses to surrounding communities such as Tennant Creek if needed.

Additionally, the implementation of a multi-service community safety hub in Alice Springs is progressing well in partnership with traditional owners, with a location in the Todd Mall being explored.

The Alice Springs Community Safety Hub stems from the success of the Casuarina Community Safety Hub in Darwin. It works with the public and alongside retailers to provide a safe space, streamlined access to information and provides a platform to discuss concerns or raise ideas with NT Police staff.

The Alice Springs Community Safety Hub will provide a modern, flexible and culturally appropriate facility that is focussed on achieving local partnerships and safer communities.