The command’s NSW Police Association branch voted in October to commence action over what they said was the NSW Government’s lack of answers about increased police numbers under a long-awaited re-engineering process.

Police Minister Troy Grant said the re-engineering process would put more police on the ground. But NSW Police Association Central Hunter chairman Mitch Dubojski said the command had been given no assurances of additional staff, despite a desperate need for more officers.

The branch commenced industrial action on November 3, to send a message to the NSW Police Force senior executive that they needed help.

But the action was suspended last Thursday after the Police Commissioner pledged to assess what additional resources and positions were needed in the Central Hunter by mid December. 

The action, which included things such as taking assigned breaks, will be held off until December 16, and escalated from then if no commitment is made.

NSW Police Association Central Hunter chairman Mitch Dubojski said the branch had asked for 20 more officers to cope with the growing needs of the community.

“We are desperate,” Mr Dubojski said.

“We’re going to need a lot more if we want to service the community effectively.”

Mr Dubojski said there had been a good flow of communication between the local branch and the senior executive of the police force over the past few weeks.

“We’ve gained some momentum, they’re starting to listen,” he said.

“We’re explaining, and making sure we are as clear as possible, what the needs of the community are.

“I think we’ve been quite reasonable.”

NSW Deputy Commissioner Regional Field Operations Gary Worboys said the force was focused on finishing the re-engineering process, which includes a new district model for regional NSW. 

“Under the new structure, we will have a greater ability to assess how many more officers are needed, what skills and capability they will need to keep crime down, and importantly we will have the ability to reallocate positions to where they are required,” he said.

Mr Dubojski thanked the community for their support during the recent action, and said it was “heartwarming” to see people get behind the cause.