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Canberra Today 15°/18° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Guards for the guards, and extra vests

police

SIMON Corbell says an additional $3.1 million will be invested in staff and equipment to protect the ACT’s frontline police officers in the upcoming ACT Budget.

“The 2016-17 ACT Budget would inject an additional $3.1 million over four years to improve security arrangements for ACT Policing, including additional personal protective equipment for police officers and employing additional Protective Service Officers in Canberra,” Simon said.

“This year’s budget will include $2.03 million to equip our officers with new protective vests that will be rolled out later this year with ongoing funding provided for replacements and new equipment.

“As a government, we have a strong focus on properly equipping police officers so they can safely conduct their jobs of protecting the citizens of Canberra.

“The Australian law enforcement terrorist alert level has recently increased to ‘HIGH’ and recognises the intent of terrorist groups to target police.

“While our national security landscape has changed significantly, the government continues to meet these challenges and respond to security needs.

“All of Australia’s security and law enforcement agencies are working closely together and across state and territory borders to ensure a safer Australia.

“Money for a new group of Protective Service Officers will ensure infrastructure and ACT Policing personnel are protected.

“More than $1 million has been set aside for Protective Service Officers over a two year period.

“These new staff will also work to preserve the safety of our police officers and facilities, which in light of heightened alert levels will be a welcome addition to the budget.”

ACT Chief Police Officer Rudi Lammers has welcomed this announcement.

“In this heightened security environment it is imperative that police are adequately protected. I welcome this budget initiative and look forward to working closely with the ACT Government to continue providing a safe working environment for the men and women of ACT Policing,” Assistant Commissioner Lammers said.

The 2016-17 ACT Budget will be handed down on June 7.

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