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$12.7 million to replace air-conditioning at five multi-functional police facilities

$1.3 million for automatic number plate recognition technology

$1.3 million for the fit out of the new Optus Stadium Police Deployment Centre

The State Government is providing increased funding as part of its commitment to community safety and supporting Western Australian police officers.

These additional resources will provide the WA Police Force with additional tools to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, and address funding black holes and legacy issues left by the former government.

The State Government has allocated $1.3 million to upgrade software for automatic number plate recognition technology.

This technology enables cameras fitted to police cars to automatically scan number plates and alert officers to disqualified or unlicensed drivers, unregistered and stolen vehicles.

Without this funding, the WA Police Force would have lost its ANPR capability from next year.

A total of $12.7 million is being made available for a long overdue upgrade to air-conditioning at multi-function police stations in Warburton, Kalumburu, Blackstone, Warakurna and Warmun.

The Government is also investing $1.3 million to fit out the state-of-the-art Police Deployment Centre inside the new Optus Stadium. Funding that should have been allocated when the stadium was planned.

This will enable police to establish a secure radio network within the stadium and ensure effective security and custody standards within the police centre.

Comments attributed to Police Minister Michelle Roberts:

"I am very pleased that in tight financial circumstances we have been able to provide additional funding for the WA Police Force.

"Many of these funding decisions fix black holes left behind by the previous government.

"The loss of automatic number plate recognition capability would have meant a significant reduction in the number of offenders apprehended for traffic and other criminal offences.

"The officers deployed to our multi-function police stations make a real difference in remote communities, particularly regarding the wellbeing of women and children.

"Air-conditioning is a necessity, not a luxury at these remote locations."

Minister's office - 6552 6900