Ballina has once again missed out on new police resources, despite having one of the highest property crime rates — and the highest shoplifting rate — in regional NSW.

NSW Police confirmed that 13 experienced officers from across Australia and New Zealand have joined the force through the Professional Mobility Program.  But not one has been allocated to the Richmond Police District.

Local police insiders say number of officers available to cover  Ballina, Lennox Head and Alstonville–Wollongbar remains about the same as it was in the 1980s, despite the population having more than doubled.

Where the new officers are going

The 13 officers — recruited from Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and New Zealand — graduated at Sydney Olympic Park today.  Their experience already totals 115 years in law enforcement.

They will be posted across NSW from Monday, including:

• 6 to the Northern Region
• 2 to the North West Metropolitan Region
• 2 to the Western Region
• 1 each to Central Metropolitan, South West Metropolitan and Southern regions

The Northern Region allocations include:

• 1 to Newcastle
• 2 to Port Stephens–Hunter
• 2 to Tweed–Byron
• 1 to Mid North Coast
• 0 – Ballina and the Richmond Police District

About the program

The Professional Mobility Program attracts serving police from other jurisdictions by allowing them to keep their rank (up to Senior Constable Level 6) and complete a condensed 12-week training course instead of the usual eight months.

After graduation, each officer completes six months of on-the-job training before resuming their former rank.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the new recruits were joining during a period of growth for the NSW Police Force.

“With a once in a generation pay rise and historic recruitment initiatives, we are making the NSW Police Force a modern workforce… Congratulations to the 13 officers joining the ranks today.”

Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the officers bring valuable experience from across Australia and New Zealand.