A SEVERE shortage of police officers in the South West is the result of a flawed regional district allowance and incentive scheme, opposition spokesman for the South West, Mick Murray said last week.
Police stations across the South West are struggling to fill vacancies because the Government’s district allowance scheme provides up to $30,000 to $40,000 extra income and guaranteed housing for officers in the north of the state, whilst police officers in the South miss out.
“I’m concerned that law and order is being compromised in the South West because the current government is so focussed on service provision in the north of this state. Why would a police officer take up a position in Bunbury when he or she is not provided with a government house, plus offered a much lower salary than those officers taking up vacancies above the 26th parallel in WA,” Mr Murray said.
Current advice suggests there are 10 unfilled positions in Bunbury, three in Australind and two in Collie. A number of smaller police stations throughout the South West are also struggling to find staff.