The NSW Government is investing millions of dollars in upgrading security at police stations across the state in the wake of terror attacks in Sydney and overseas and to purchase a new fixed-wing aircraft. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant today announced almost $25 million dollars will be spent on upgrading security at police stations, the Sydney Police Centre, Police Headquarters and the Goulburn Police Academy. The funding will also go towards the purchase, fit out and operation of a new fixed-wing aircraft.

“The Parramatta shooting of NSW Police Force employee Curtis Cheng and events across the globe, including in Paris, show we need to take the necessary steps to ensure the security of all police personnel and property,” Mr Grant said.

“We need to be responsive to the current environment we live in, one in which terrorism has become a credible threat to our everyday way of life. The Premier and I strongly support our men and women in blue and the job they do protecting the community.”

Included in the suite of security measures are upgrades to CCTV at police sites, installation of safety barriers on police station counters, and upgrades to the Sydney Police Centre and the Goulburn Police Academy.

The NSW Government is also funding a new Cessna Grand Caravan 208EX fixed-wing aircraft, which will be known as PolAir 8, that will bolster the NSW Police Force operational capability for counter terrorism support, and provide an effective presence to combat crime state-wide.

“These measures will help protect our community and frontline police as the Government remains responsive to the current environment and the need to consider further measures to strengthen security for officers, police employees and the community.”

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said he welcomes the additional enhancements to policing, including upgrades to existing police stations and a new addition to the Aviation Support Branch.

“PolAir 8 will greatly assist during counter terrorism operations, search and rescue incidents and major criminal investigations,” Commissioner Scipione said.

“The Cessna model has a high level of safety, performance and reliability, and features the latest generation digital glass cockpit for flying at night and in cloudy conditions, enabling transportation in a variety of situations.”