The NSW Police Force’s Raptor Squad will now have a permanent base in the region to target and dismantle organised criminal groups.
The squad will be based in the Hunter region, with capability to deploy throughout all Northern NSW, targeting criminal networks on the Central Coast, the Mid North Coast and Coffs Harbour and towards the NSW-QLD border.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad has officially launched Raptor North in response to operational needs and intelligence surrounding organised crime.
“Raptor North will comprise of 29 experienced staff – led by an Inspector with local knowledge – with assistance from investigators, Operations Support Group (OSG) operatives, and Traffic and Highway Patrol officers,” Crouch said.
“Since July, we’ve boosted total Raptor numbers by 30 with police now able to mobilise a Raptor North team of 29 dedicated positions and Raptor South of 25 positions.
“These squads are sending a clear message to organised crime networks thinking they can slip under the radar or spread their tentacles in the region: Raptor is watching and the only part of the regions they’ll see is the inside of one of our prisons.”
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said Raptor North will continue to expand the proactive and disruptive tactics employed by the Sydney-based Raptor Squad.
“The Raptor name has become synonymous with dismantling organised crime in this state.
“Crime knows no boundaries, and as our regional communities continue to grow, it is critical resources are directed to where they need to go to disrupt these networks,” he said.
Raptor North covers 11 police districts including Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes.
The command conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Source:
Media release, Jan 23
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch