More detectives on way to region

Busselton is due receive four new detectives this month, Police Minister Michelle Roberts has confirmed.

Ms Roberts confirmed the timeframe for the detectives’ arrival to the Times yesterday, after Shadow attorney-general Michael Mischin put questions to the Police Minister in State Parliament last week on when the detectives — committed to by the previous Liberal-led government — would be deployed to the region.

MLC Stephen Dawson, representing Ms Roberts in Parliament at the time, said the previously announced transfers had been issued and the staff would begin duty “imminently”.

“As was the practice of the previous government, due to operational sensitivities, specific information relating to staffing levels of individual police stations is not released,” he said.

“Any further advice with regard to the future deployment of police resources will be released as and when appropriate.”

The bolstered crew of detectives is due to cover the Capes and will be based out of the Busselton Police Station, adding to the two detectives already working out of Busselton. Vasse MLA Libby Mettam told the Times she hoped the new officers would be deployed soon.

“A boost of an additional four police detectives were committed for Busselton by the previous Liberal Government and I understand that recruitment happened some months ago,” she said.

Ms Mettam said law and order continued to be a high priority in the electorate and last weekend she hosted a community forum driven by concern over increasing small crime around Port Geographe.

“I had over 70 attendees, which underlines the concern within the community,” she said.

“I hope that the Government ensure that the four detectives are deployed as matter of priority.”