Managing police shortages at Brewarrina
Story: Kristin Murdockand Ian Cole
Brewarrina Police Station is operating with just two of its 11 substantive positions filled, with officers from Bourke and Walgett being brought in to maintain a police presence in the community.
Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Gerard Lawson, has acknowledged the staffing difficulties facing Brewarrina and other remote police stations across north-western NSW, but has reassured residents that maintaining community safety remains a priority.
“We’ve got their back,” Superintendent Lawson said. “We are supplementing the numbers by providing police from Walgett sometimes, but mostly from Bourke, to make sure we backfill shifts and we have a police presence there.”
Superintendent Lawson said the shortage was not unique to Brewarrina, with staffing pressures being experienced across the NSW Police Force.
“It’s just a reality across the organisation,” he said. “It’s not unique to Brewarrina or anywhere else in Central North Police District. It’s just a sign of our times that we are short-staffed.” […]
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