Thirty-two experienced police officers from around the country have started an 11-week intensive training program in Alice Springs as part of the NT Government’s Accelerated Recruit Program.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner – who today met with some of the officers in Alice Springs – announced the fast-tracking of the experienced officers from across the country and New Zealand late last year.

The ARP replaces one of the three planned constable recruit courses to enable the faster delivery of experienced officers to meet operational needs.

All officers are now in Alice Springs undertaking the training program to prepare them for policing in Central Australia. 30 will stay in Alice Springs and surrounds, one will be posted to Tennant Creek and another to Darwin.

The 32 officers are from across the country, and include 16 from New Zealand Police. The break-up is:

“The Government has listened to the community and taken action to boost our police force, giving them the resources they need to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and keep the community safe,” Mr Gunner said.

“Since coming to office we have invested millions boosting the resources of our police force including bringing back the BDR to stop the supply of alcohol to problem drinkers, and investing $45 million towards upgrading the core policing system, Promis.”

Member for Namatjira Chansey Paech said the officers will boost the numbers of police officers in Central Australia once the intensive training schedule was complete.

“These experienced police officers from across the country and New Zealand will increase the capacity of Central Australian policing both in Alice Springs and in the bush,” Mr Paech said.

Member for Braitling Dale Wakefield said it was the first time training had been held in Alice Springs as part of the Accelerated Recruit Program.

“This will enable for a seamless transition into policing in Central Australia,” Ms Wakefield said.

“The ARP squad is 11 weeks training which is significantly shorter than the normal 6 month Recruit Constable Course. This is due to the Recruits being serving officers who have the basic overall training of a police officer and are currently using those skills.”

The intensive course is to train the Recruits in Northern Territory Legislation, Northern Territory Police Systems, Northern Territory Police Operational Safety requirements and other Northern Territory specific requirements.

Five officers begin work next month, with the remaining officers beginning work in April.

Mr Gunner said the Government is on track to deliver 120 extra police to the NT over this term of Government.