“The re-engineering Taskforce is continuing to progress stakeholder consutlation about the proposed structure of policing in regional NSW,” Mr Worboys said. 

“The framework is designing a District Command that will have better outcomes for both police and the community, including improved flexibility to deploy police to where and when they are needed, now and into the future.”

According to the Deputy Commissioner he has been progressively visiting police stations across the state and meeting with officers and admin staff and speaking with various levels of government and locals in those towns.

“On Friday October 13 I met with officers in Orange, Cowra and Young about the future model for country policing,” he said.

“From day one, we have said policing in the country is different to policing in the city, and our approach to reviewing the organisation has recognised this.”

Mr Worboys conceded each area in rural NSW has its own challenges and believes it is important to continue meeting with both the Local Area Commands and communities across the state.

“Communities will have a police force that is better equipped to proactively disrupt and prevent new and emerging crimes, as well as a larger pool of resources to draw upon,” he said. 

“At the end of this process, communities will see no change the current service delivery.”

According to Mr Worboys there are no plans to close police stations or to pull back from a 24-hour response where there is one already in place, he also said they do not intend to divert police away from small communities.

“I appreciate there is a degree of concern among officers, staff and the community, however consultation is an important process.”