Two New Officers Join Ballina as Former Cops Warn of Critical Policing Gaps
Ballina will welcome two new probationary constables this week, the first time in recent memory that fresh NSW Police graduates have been assigned to the shire.
The officers are part of a record-breaking class of 341 recruits who graduated from the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday.
A total of seven have been allocated to the Richmond Police District, with three based at Lismore and two starting on the beat this week in Casino.
Ballina Shire Deputy Mayor and retired senior detective Damian Loone said the appointments are overdue but very welcome.
“It’s fantastic news,” Cr Loone said.
“I congratulate the Police Minister and the police force for giving us these two very important positions to help fill the gaps that clearly exist.”
Retired officers in Ballina say the station is running well below strength.
Many officers officially posted here are on leave, often due to stress, leaving small numbers to cover a large and fast-growing region.
Above: Damian Loone
Main Image: Some of the 341 new officers passing out of Class 367 at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday
Cr Loone agrees that staffing remains a major issue, but says the arrival of two new officers is a positive start.
“It’s a great first step,” he said.
“These young ones are beginning their careers in a beautiful part of the world. Once they settle here, many end up staying for the long term.”
He said earlier rules that forced junior officers to rotate around the state no longer apply.
“When I joined, you could only stay a short time before being transferred.
“That’s changed. Now they understand families need stability. Back then I knew coppers who have stayed in one district for 35 or 40 years.”
Cr Loone plans to welcome the new officers personally when they report for duty.
“I remember how exciting my first day was,” he said.
“You’re not just a trainee anymore. You’re a sworn constable. It’s something special, and I want to make sure they know they’re valued here.”
Ochre Wood arrested in West Ballina after weeks of searches by police
A strong week for local policing
The announcement of the new arrivals came at the end of a busy and successful week for police in the Ballina district, with several significant arrests, including that of wanted fugitive Ochre Wood.
Cr Loone said the public should take confidence from the recent work of local officers and the Rural Crime Prevention Team.
“They’ve done great work,” he said.
“We had dangerous offenders on the run. Residents were fearing for their safety. They’re now in custody.”
He said removing a few key offenders can have an immediate impact.
“You can have a one-man crime wave,” he said.
“When they’re taken off the street, the whole community feels the difference.”
Cr Loone also urged the courts to match police efforts.
“The judiciary has been listening more to what the community is saying,” he said.
“People want consequences. There’s no point catching offenders if they’re out the next day.”
Retired officers warn Ballina remains under-resourced
Four former police officers now living in Ballina Shire told Ballina News Daily they remain deeply concerned about staffing levels.
Retired Police Association representative David Longfield said police numbers have not kept pace with population growth.
According to Mr Longfield’s understanding of the figures, there were 28 officers stationed at Ballina in 1990 and that had grown to approximately 31 by 2022, with no extras since.
“Our population has grown almost three times, but police numbers haven’t,” he said.
He also notes that the 30-odd officers on paper include detectives, supervisors, injured staff, those on leave, and those seconded elsewhere.
“The daily roster is four police,” he said. “One in the station, one supervisor and two in the truck. On Friday and Saturday nights you get two trucks, but that’s it.”
He said a simple arrest can take officers off the road for hours.
“If they arrest someone at 1pm on a Thursday, that’s four hours tied up with custody. That leaves nobody covering from Pidgin Flat Road to Wardell, including Alstonville.”
“And if Evans Head and Woodburn aren’t rostered, Ballina crews cover all the way to Mororo. It’s a huge area.”
Mr Longfield said he lobbied Labor, the Greens and the Nationals before the last state election.
“It’s a disgrace,” he said.
“They all give assurances during the campaign, but nothing ever eventuates.”
