Western Australia's frontline police are being supported with a record investment in the 2021-22 State Budget - including modern equipment, an investment in operational capabilities and new and upgraded police stations to accommodate hundreds of new officers.
Police will receive an increased operating budget of $1.686 billion in 2021-22 - plus a further $83.6 million capital investment for the refurbishment and expansion of police stations to accommodate some of the additional 950 police officers being delivered by the McGowan Government.
$27.5 million will be spent to purchase and operate a new police helicopter, which is in addition to the new helicopter already being built for WA Police.
This is part of a $54 million capability development of the Police Airwing, providing police with the latest technologies to improve support of frontline police carrying out their duties.
Western Australia's PCYCs will also be provided with $18 million of operational funding to support their work as a part of the McGowan Government's wider approach to crime prevention, through providing safe spaces as well as structured programs to support at-risk and disadvantaged youth.
PathWest and the ChemCentre will receive $6.3 million to enable them to carry out more DNA and forensic testing.
$21.6 million will be invested in measures to support WA Police's operational readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The McGowan Government will also invest $8.1 million for upgrades to information and communications technology to further support police operations around the State, with an additional $3.5 million towards a mobile State operations command centre.
$41 million will be spent building new police stations in Baldivis and Forrestfield - as committed at the 2021 State Election.
Operating hours at Gosnells, Warwick and Rockingham stations will be extended to 7pm on weeknights at a cost of $1.2 million, while $1 million will be spent enhancing CCTV and automatic number plate recognition capability in Kalgoorlie.
The McGowan Government has allocated almost $100 million from the Road Trauma Trust Account towards road safety initiatives in 2021-22, including $20 million for regional road safety improvements and $6 million for improvements to metropolitan intersections.
$9.3 million will be spent to detect drivers impaired by alcohol and drugs, with an additional $1.5 million to boost police traffic patrols on regional roads. $8.9 million will be invested in community education and engagement.
For more information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"This Budget provides record funding to support the hundreds of new police officers we are hiring for Western Australia, with funding to build and upgrade police stations right around the State.
"We are funding new and modern equipment, and extending operating hours at a number of police stations.
"The Budget invests significantly in the future of the State's PCYCs to enable them to continue their important work and engagement with young Western Australians.
"We are delivering on our election commitments, making our roads safer and funding other important initiatives to help our police to meet crime challenges.
"Our strong financial management ensures we have the capacity to invest in our police and ensure they have the support they need to keep the Western Australian community safe."
As stated by Police and Road Safety Minister Paul Papalia:
"The McGowan Government is committed to delivering a Police Force that puts the community first.
"Not only are we putting more police on the streets, but we are supporting our Police Force with the equipment they need to meet future crime challenges.
"We're also providing financial certainty to allow PCYCs to operate and enhance their programs, so the community continues to benefit from their outstanding work.
"We are committed to making WA a safer place to live by putting more police on the streets, delivering safer roads and supporting frontline police operations by providing the equipment police need to do their jobs effectively."
