Katherine’s liquor inspectors are sworn in

Upon completion of their training, the squad will be the first Liquor Inspectors to be assigned to Katherine, and will also bolster current inspectors in Alice Springs.

The government has previously announced Katherine is set to receive 22 of the new police auxiliaries to take over bottle shop duties from regular police.

The first auxiliaries are likely to arrive in Katherine in late January or early February next year.

They will form part of a new 97-member strong unit within the NT Police aimed at reducing the alcohol-fuelled crime and violence on our streets.

Upon complete recruitment, the Liquor Inspectors will be capable of delivering lockdown of bottle shops in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine freeing up police to return to the frontline.

The unit will also have the capability to deliver covert and overt operations in a bid to tackle secondary supply and prosecute those caught breaking the law and exploiting our most vulnerable.

Recruitment for future squads is now underway, for more information visit: https://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Police/Careers-in-policing/Auxiliary.aspx

Police Minister Nicole Manison said: “Every Territorian has the right to feel safe and expect their homes, businesses and property to be secure.

“The chaotic CLP Government’s failure to invest in more police, failure to tackle alcohol abuse, removal of the BDR and failure to invest in youth services means we now have an enormous challenge to keep our community safe.

“Alcohol has devastating impacts on our local communities, homes and businesses. When you limit the abuse of alcohol, not only do you cut down on crime, but you also improve the health outcomes of Territorians. 

“The Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors are just one of a suite of comprehensive and historic changes this government is implementing to address the issues of alcohol abuse.

“As well as returning police back to their frontline duties, we are also recruiting more officers than ever before and equipping them with the best resources possible to do the tough job they have.”