Move FM Regional news

The NSW Police Force on Monday launched an elite squad to proactively target serious crime, dismantle criminal syndicates and ensure a safer community in the state’s west.

The Chifley Region Enforcement Squad (RES) will conduct proactive investigations into drug supply, firearm offences and property crime, while assisting local police districts.

Deputy Commissioner Regional NSW Field Operations Gary Worboys was joined on Monday by Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, and local police to announce the squad as part of NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller’s commitment to providing specialist resources to regional areas.

Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said our city neighbours have always benefitted from specialist police but crime can happen anywhere and resources are now being allocated to regional NSW where they are needed.

“As part of the re-engineering process operational opportunities were identified in regional areas and launching Chifley RES will further drive down crime and instil community confidence in what we do,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said Monday.

“Western region police districts have always been relentless in the pursuit of illegal activity however combined with specialist units like RES serves as a warning for criminal networks putting community safety at risk – we are targeting you.”

“The increased police presence will reassure the community they remain our number one priority,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys added.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said he welcomed the addition of the new squad to the western region.

“I’m extremely pleased police are launching these specialist units to proactively target criminal groups and all levels of crime across the western region,” he said.

Minister for Police Troy Grant said the government will continue to work with the NSW Police Force to deploy resources whereever they are needed.

“Having identified an operational need and mobilising their resources where they are needed most, police can get on with the job of disrupting and dismantling these criminal groups and ensuring community safety,” Mr Grant said.