300 Army personnel requested to enforce Covid rules
NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller has confirmed he's made a formal request for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to help front-line police with Covid-19 compliance in Sydney hotspots.
The news comes as NSW records 239 cases — the highest number recorded since the pandemic began.
Commissioner Fuller said the NSW Police Force is significantly expanding its enforcement activities in Sydney over the coming days and has requested 300 ADF personnel to boost its operational footprint.
"The assistance of the ADF has been essential over the past 18 months – particularly during last year’s border operation, the ongoing hotel quarantine operation and the assistance provided with logistics support in the Police Operations Centre," he said.
“With an increase in enforcement activity over the coming week, I have now made a formal request to the Prime Minister for ADF personnel to assist with that operation.
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his ongoing support.”
Assistance is 'welcomed' by emergency services
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott welcomed the request for assistance.
“There is a longstanding and highly-professional relationship between the NSW Police Force and the ADF,” Mr Elliott said.
“As I have said previously, support from the Army will add another line of defence to the NSW Government’s crackdown on Covid-19 compliance.
“The Army’s unique skills and training have combined many times with those of our police officers to serve the people of NSW in times of crisis, such as the floods and severe bushfires we’ve experienced in recent years.
“This will be a functional, effective and dynamic team to fight this pandemic.”
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