NOT even one day into the launch of a bolstered specialist police action group that is supposed to target the crims and crooks and the intransigent, intractable, undisciplined and wilful, and questions are being raised about the longevity of the crime-fighting unit.
No, the wheels haven’t fallen off, but there’s a feeling they might not turn as fast for as long as we want.
While the three top citizens in the community hierarchy that is Tamworth public life – the politician, the mayor and the top cop – expressed great trust and confidence on Monday about the launch of the full-strength, six-man experienced team of police for the Target Action Group, there was muted support from the men in the ranks yesterday.
Yes, they want it to work.
Yes, they appreciate the solid grunt that it gives to the policing ranks in the city and the local police command, but they just hope it won’t be a one-week or one-month wonder.
The local police association was caught on the hop over the announcement on Monday of the new boosted unit.
In the hard day of light yesterday they were just a bit worried that, when some political pressure eases off, come some solid policing arrests and court action, and come holidays, leave rosters and other staffing issues, the wheels would slow down considerably.
Or else, the general-duties ranks would feel the squeeze.
The unit has been created, we’re told, within allocated numbers, but not by fiddling figures.
The two latest intakes of probationary constables this year has apparently allowed some breathing space for experienced officers to move into the unit.
The association only a few weeks ago expressed its concern that crime levels had increased and that the state government, the local politician and senior police had not responded effectively.
Obviously, the announcement this week was pushed pretty strongly by member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson and mayor Col Murray.
They’re feeling the heat of community angst and public anger over the incidences of break-ins, stealings, robberies and malicious damage – and, more importantly, the fact the elderly have been targeted.
While this part of the campaign is great news, it is another turn of the wheel.
We still need to keep moving ahead.
It is not just about police, it is also about the judicial system and putting pressure on legislators to hear the community and look at introducing those attitudes into law.