NSW Police Force update

As summer approaches, a new police jet ski squadron will be out in force to prioritise and improve marine safety across the state’s waterways. The NSW Police Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Hutchings, was joined today (Thursday 8 November 2018) by Minister for Police Troy Grant, and NSW Maritime Services, to unveil 14 new jet skis which will be used by the new Marine Enforcement Team (MET). The MET is a dedicated mobile response unit that will be deployed to reduce marine-related crime and ensure safer waterways across NSW.The team will be comprised of officers from the Marine Area Command and will be primarily located within the Sydney Metropolitan area, as well as Newcastle and Port Stephens, during the boating season.
“The Marine Enforcement Team is a specialist unit within the Marine Area Command and will be conducting regular, planned and high-visibility police operations throughout the warmer months. “Police will be on the water throughout the season to enforce maritime laws, conduct random breath and drug tests, carry out safety checks on vessels, check boat licences, and ensure any other jet ski riders enjoy the sport safely,” Supt Hutchings said. Minister for Police Troy Grant said people should be able to head out on NSW waterways and enjoy their day without hoons and trouble makers causing problems; that is why the NSW Government has invested more than $140,000 in 14 new jet skis for the Marine Area Command.“With Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year around the corner, the jet ski squad will be launching major enforcement and crowd control operations during the busiest period on our waterways,” said Mr Grant. “The versatility of the jet ski team will also greatly enhance the Marine Area Command’s ability to rapidly respond and deploy to incidents on the water and contain anti-social and dangerous behaviour.” Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the additional funding would allow Police to continue their proactive approach to targeting anti-social behaviour on our waterways. “The number of jet ski registrations continues to grow at around 10 per cent per year which represents the fastest growing segment of the industry,”