Annual report highlights progress on plan to rebuild Tasmania Police

The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to rebuilding Tasmania Police to help create a safer community.

Today I was pleased to table the Department of Police and Emergency Management 2014-15 Annual Report.

This shows that we have made strong progress on delivering on our commitment to recruit an extra 113 police over this term, with an extra 27 officers so far having been deployed across the frontline.

Forty police officers were recruited through two courses over the past financial year, including two officers who took part in an accelerated learning program.

Continuing recruitment means we are on track to achieve our commitment of 1233 police officers in this term of government.

The annual report highlights an increase in total crime reported in Tasmania in 2014-15, although I note it follows several years of downward trends.

Importantly, serious crimes such as arson, stealing and robbery decreased by five per cent, while offences against the person were also down.

We have established a serious organised crime investigation capability for Tasmania Police through the creation of the Serious Organised Crime Division, comprising the Serious Organised Crime Unit and Fraud and e-Crime Investigation Services.

Further, we have improved safety for police officers with those undertaking frontline duties now equipped with new high visibility Multiuse Integrated Protection Vests.

Tasmania Police play an important role in promoting road safety and the annual report shows they conducted 475,510 random breath tests over the year, resulting in 2575 charges, and issued 63,497 Traffic Infringement Notices.

Survey results showed 77 per cent of Tasmanians are satisfied with policing services, which is equal to the national average.

The Liberal Government will continue to support our hardworking police officers to make Tasmania a safer place.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Police and Emergency Management