Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy will not be requesting an extension of the Public Disorder Declaration (PDD) for Alice Springs.
The declaration will conclude at 12:55pm today, Thursday 11 July 2024.
Commissioner Michael Murphy said "During the operational hours of the PDD over 3 nights, police engaged with 159 people, with 93 directed to leave the area, 20 conveyed into the care of other agencies and 18 removed from the area by police. No arrests were made in relation to the PDD.
"Our members responded to one incident within the PDD, involving a man making threats towards a group at around 2:25am this morning. Police engaged with the man and the group, and no offence occurred.
"The declaration has had a noticeable effect in preventing public disorder within the CBD and I would like to thank the Alice Springs community for working with us.
"There is currently no reasonable grounds for me to extend the declaration and I am confident we have capable police resourcing in Alice Springs to react and respond to any instances of crime or anti-social behaviour.
"The violent disturbances we saw yesterday outside of the PDD operational hours, involving up to 100 people, will not be tolerated. Five arrests have already been made and every instigator of that disturbance can expect to be charged.
"Policing operations will remain in place across Alice Springs to uphold the law and maintain social order. Operation Grimmel will continue to run within the town, and an additional 10 officers started duty in Alice Springs yesterday with an additional 19 due to start in 2 weeks with another 15 to be posted to the town at the end of the month.
"The PDD is not a long term solution, and I am mindful of the impact that decision has had on the broader community. As Commissioner of Police I have a responsibility to listen to the community, to make sure that the best decisions are made to uphold the law and to maintain social order. The PDD has assisted in the short term by providing relief to the frontline, but our focus remains on the long term.
"Police will continue to work collectively with government stakeholders, community members, and local service agencies to find long term solutions to the issues currently facing Alice Springs."
