New CBD Precinct begins today

The new precinct includes 30 additional frontline officers to support this enhanced approach, including a new Chief Inspector and Senior Sergeant.

The CBD Precinct allows for the almost doubling of police officers working 24/7, and high-visibility policing including rapid response and flexibility during peak periods of demand and major events.

The new model includes the introduction of a dedicated 24/7 police response team operating from Blackburn House.

The new Grenfell Street Response team will provide around-the-clock policing services, working alongside existing patrols to deliver a coordinated and highly visible police presence across the CBD and surrounding precincts.

The initiative will also enable Hindley Street patrols to place a greater emphasis on dedicated foot patrols throughout Adelaide's key shopping, entertainment and hospitality precincts. Increased foot patrols will enhance police visibility and engagement with the community while providing reassurance to the many people who live, work and visit the CBD.

This is the first major initiative to be implemented in response to recommendations from the BDO Review.

SAPOL is also increasing 24/7 District Operations Inspectors from 12 to 20, with an additional eight positions allowing for five inspectors per district.

These increased positions will provide greater frontline knowledge and decision-making capacity, support for staff on the ground, and enhanced relationships with stakeholders.

Other significant changes off the back of the Review will include addressing the impact of coronial investigations on frontline and investigations staff, in collaboration with the Coroner’s Office, and a new audit framework to significantly reduce the administrative workload on frontline, supervisor and managerial staff.

Both these changes are intended to strike a balance between managing risk and the workload impact on SAPOL staff.

Quotes attributable to Acting Police Commissioner, Linda Williams APM LEM

We announced this new precinct in July with the aim of it commencing prior to the busy summer period, which we have successfully achieved.

The additional staffing and new model will allow for greater preventative and proactive policing measures, providing more rapid response capability and improved coordination during peak periods and major incidents.

Summer and the festive season brings a lot of people into the CBD and this new precinct will ensure everyone can enjoy themselves safely.