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Concerns about community safety are growing after new figures revealed a sharp decline in police numbers across New South Wales, with opposition MPs warning the state may not be keeping pace with its rapidly growing population.
According to recently released public sector data, the number of police officers has fallen to 176 officers per 100,000 people, down from 205 officers per 100,000 residents in 2019. The decline comes despite significant population growth across the state.
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Anthony Roberts said the figures highlight a growing concern among families and communities.
“Families across New South Wales are increasingly worried about crime in their communities. The last thing NSW should be seeing is fewer police on the streets,” Mr Roberts said.
He said recent reports of gang-related violence and organised crime activity were heightening community anxiety, pointing to incidents such as a shooting in Lidcombe earlier this week.
“Police are already under immense pressure. When the force is understaffed, it means longer response times, greater strain on officers and fewer police available to keep our neighbourhoods safe,” he said.
The issue is particularly concerning in rapidly expanding regions, where population growth is placing additional pressure on already stretched police services.
Robyn Preston MP Member for Hawkesbury said the lack of investment in policing across fast-growing areas, particularly in Sydney’s north-west growth corridor, is becoming increasingly difficult for officers on the ground.
“Our area covers a large geographic region with many rural and semi-rural communities. When police numbers decline, it puts additional strain on local officers who are already working hard to respond across vast distances,” Ms Preston said.
She noted that suburbs such as Box Hill and The Gables are expanding at an extraordinary rate but continue to rely on a single police station at Castle Hill to service the growing population.
Ms Preston said she supports calls for a new police station at Rouse Hill, an idea that has also been strongly advocated by The Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne.
“With our population growing so quickly, we need to ensure policing resources keep pace with demand so communities feel safe and supported,” she said.
The NSW Government says the government is working to rebuild police numbers following workforce pressures and population growth across the state.
In 2024, the government announced a significant pay rise and began paying recruits while they train at the NSW Police Force academy in Goulburn.
Officials say the number of recruits entering the academy has increased and expect graduating classes to begin outpacing retirements and resignations over the coming year, helping restore frontline policing levels.
The debate over police numbers comes as communities across New South Wales continue to call for investment in frontline services to ensure policing keeps pace with population growth and community safety needs.
