A community campaign will be launched outside the Cowra Police Station on Tuesday morning at 10am, in an effort to address staffing shortfalls and secure a clear timeline to increase police numbers in town.

A statement released on Monday by the Police Association of NSW reveals no additional resources have been provided despite a staffing proposal calling for more Cowra cops being presented and acknowledged by the NSW Police Force (NSWPF).

It also says policing numbers haven’t changed in Cowra since August 2003, however NSWPF numbers have increased during this time by 1,910 officers.

PANSW Western Region Organiser Rod Sheraton said Cowra and its surrounding areas have suffered for too long with “well above average crime rates”.

He said local police are frustrated.

“NSW Crime Statistics for 2012-2016 show the area is over represented in both property crime and violent offences,” Rod Sheraton said.

“Cowra is not serviced by Correctional Services, meaning Cowra police officers are required to transport all bail refused prisoners to either Bathurst, Wellington, Junee or Dubbo, taking police away from the community of Cowra for hours at a time.

“Further, Cowra Court has no audio-visual link, which means Cowra police are required to pick up prisoners required for court from Bathurst Correctional Centre, manage the prisoners throughout the day, escort them to and from court and return them to Bathurst at the end of the day.

“It is critical Cowra has appropriate staffing levels to prevent crime, keep the community safe and protect officers on the frontline.”

A community campaign will be launched outside the Cowra Police Station on Tuesday, July 24 at 10am.