Comms Centres – the way forward

The appointment of a new Communications Centre National Manager is a critical step in contributing toward improved service, following the release of the Independent Review Panel (IRP) report of Communications Centres in May.

Interim Communications Centre National Manager, Superintendent Mike Wilson, OoC, says the appointment of National Road Policing Manager, Superintendent Steve Fitzgerald, to the position will help strengthen the relationship between Communications and district staff and the relationship between proactive and reactive policing.

Mike says a range of actions have already commenced to address the recommendations outlined in the IRP report.

The National Communications Centre Advisory Board met for the first time on 23 May to discuss how it can best operate to oversee delivery on the IRP’s recommendations, and the performance and strategic direction of the Centres,” says Mike.

“As a member of the Board, it was great to see this process up and running quickly and with commitment to improvement.”

Some of the Centres have been visited by representatives from the Law and Order Select Committee and a senior policy adviser to the Department of the Prime Minister.

“Feedback from both visits has been very positive with acknowledgement of a much more detailed understanding of what the Centres do,” says Mike.

Mike says he has been greatly encouraged by the goodwill and offers of support from many staff, both within and outside the Centres, toward improvement.

“There’s a sense of urgency, but there’s an equal level of commitment toward a considered approach,” says Mike.

“Such an approach will ultimately provide a higher level of frontline service that further contributes to our key goals of crime and crash reduction and improved trust and confidence in police.”