Narrabri Policing Survey findings released

A survey seeking local views on policing and law and order in Narrabri received 85 responses, with break and enter identified as a major concern among participants.

While 62 per cent of respondents reported a negative experience trying to contact police, the written responses also included praise for local officers, with one describing them as “helpful and professional” and saying, “we just need more of them and better ways to get in touch with local staff.”

There was also strong support for measures aimed at increasing regional police numbers, with 94 per cent of respondents supporting better incentives to encourage officers to serve in regional communities.

At the end of August, Member for Barwon Roy Butler released the Narrabri Policing Survey, which stated, “A recent spike in crime in Narrabri has exposed some lengthy wait times for a police response. I want to hear from you about your experiences contacting police.

“This isn’t about criticising local police, who do a wonderful job. It’s about determining whether more police are needed to serve our community.”

Mr Butler asked for direct feedback from locals about policing, crime and safety to ‘help strengthen the case for more police resources in Narrabri and across Barwon’.

The survey results are back, and Mr Butler says respondents were “overwhelmingly concerned about break-and-enter and youth crime”.

“Many people identified the need for more police and for a 24-hour police presence in Narrabri, and there was huge support for my proposals for expanded incentives for regional police and dedicated graduating classes at the Police Academy for regional areas,” explained Mr Butler.

“I have begun this discussion with Police Minister (Yasmin) Catley, who has already said she’d look into reclassifying Wee Waa Police Station from ‘remote’ to ’special remote’, which would unlock additional financial incentives for police.”

Mr Butler said there was also significant concern expressed about repeat offenders being released ‘too frequently on bail’.

“I have been working to address this problem with a dedicated youth diversionary facility near Brewarrina, which would remove young offenders from their communities while challenging them on their behaviours and showing them a different pathway,” he said.

“Four local councils and local Aboriginal community groups are backing the proposal, which has also attracted early support from the NSW government.

“Respondents registered concern with the way police calls are handled after-hours through the Tamworth station.

“A few respondents also mentioned that drones in Moree have had an impact on crime rates. This is also an area I’ll be keeping an eye on moving forward.”

The survey received 85 responses, with 50 people submitting written comments.

When asked, ‘Have you had a negative experience trying to contact police?’, 62 per cent, or 53 respondents, said yes, while 38 per cent said no.

Of the 85 respondents, 32 said their issue was not handled successfully when their call was diverted to Tamworth, while 15 said it was handled successfully and 38 opted for ‘no response’.

Break and enter was the greatest concern regarding law and order, nominated by 60 per cent, or 51 respondents. This was followed by youth crime at 24 per cent, with 20 respondents saying it was their greatest concern regarding law and order; eight per cent said drugs and alcohol and seven per cent of respondents said domestic violence. One respondent did not answer the question.

There was strong support for attracting more police to regional areas, with 80 respondents, 94 per cent, supporting better incentives to encourage police to serve in regional communities.

Similarly, 92 per cent, or 78 respondents, supported dedicating entire classes at the Police Academy to serving in regional areas.

In the written comments, several respondents praised local officers while expressing the view that police stations and officers were understaffed, stretched or limited by available resources.

“The officers here are wonderful. But so limited by the number of them and the red tape,” said one respondent.

“Our current officers are good hardworking people who are overwhelmed with not enough staff,” said another.

Respondents also described difficulty contacting police at night, calls being transferred to Tamworth, delays in receiving responses and concerns about the local station not being staffed around the clock, with calls for a 24-hour police station.

“The criminals know full well that after 6 pm they can do as they please as there aren’t any cops available. I have concerns for my family and kids with the spike in aggressive break-and-enters and just people snooping around properties,” said one written comment.

“The lack of accessible policing at night is becoming a genuine concern for our community,” said another.

Frustration with the broader justice system was also highlighted, particularly around bail and penalties for repeat offenders.

“The police are doing their best to try and catch these criminals with the resources they have at hand. What doesn’t help is the soft penalties magistrates give out and these offenders getting out on soft bail terms,” said one written comment.

Some respondents also raised the potential use of police drones, with one suggesting Narrabri consider the approach used in Moree, saying it “appears to be working”.

“The crime in our town has escalated when drones started being used in Moree. Maybe Narrabri could utilise drones as well,” said another written comment.

Mr Butler said he would be sharing the responses with the local area commander.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey,” said Mr Butler.