A PUSH for a second police station in Tamworth is impractical according to those on the beat.
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The aim of a new petition is to gauge interest in another police station for high crime areas like south or west Tamworth and was launched by Country Labor candidate Steve Mears.
But, NSW Police Association Tamworth branch chair Brian Pegus said more boots on the ground are what police really need, with refurbishments at the station.
“As general duties police part of our role is being proactive, so in between jobs we try to remain in areas where things might happen and that’s day or night,” he said.
“You’d never say it’s not realistic but it all comes back to being practical.
“We want more staff on the ground in the existing building… I’d like to see more numbers as soon as possible.”
Last month Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Police Minister Troy Grant announced another 1500 police officers for regional NSW in a $583 million deal.
Where those officers are placed will be determined by NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller.
Local police have asked for 25 more officers on the ground and hope more officers will lighten the workload and extend coverage.
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And, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson believes more police in the same station is the way to go.
“Police tell me they would rather have more police on the streets in a responsive time on their way to an emergency or critical incident than sitting in an office,” he said.