Western Australia is gearing up for a significant surge in police visibility this summer, with officers set to work a massive 40,000 hours of overtime as part of a major crime crackdown. The state government has allocated $5 million to fund the initiative, known as Operation Heat Shield, which will run from November to April.
A Highly Visible Police Presence
Police Minister Reece Whitby announced that the funding will lead to a heightened police presence in key areas across the state. This includes entertainment precincts like Northbridge, metropolitan suburbs, popular beach locations, and regional Western Australia.
"Summer is a time when people want to go out and enjoy themselves," Mr. Whitby stated. "We want people to have a good time... but you will expect to see more police out there." The initiative relies on officers voluntarily taking up the extra shifts, with the Minister expressing confidence that police are "very keen to serve" the community.
Operation Heat Shield in Action
Assistant Police Commissioner Peter Healy provided details on what the public can expect. "Operation Heat Shield allows us to put more effort beyond what we do every day... into the front line," he said. The community will see:
- More officers walking the beat and riding bikes in protected entertainment precincts.
- A significant increase in police on the roads and in busy areas like shopping centres.
- A highly visible force aimed at keeping the community safe.
Mr. Healy issued a stern warning to potential offenders: "If you're a person that wants to cause harm... guess what? We're coming for you in numbers, and you'll get locked up." The operation, which has run annually since 2019, proved effective last year, resulting in 1,697 arrests and 3,915 charges laid.
Concerns Over Sustainability and Recruitment
Despite the operation's goals, concerns have been raised about the long-term sustainability of relying on overtime. WA Police Union vice president Peter McGee noted that a typical 10-hour metropolitan shift could stretch beyond 12 hours with overtime.
"Police are great people, extraordinary people trying to do a difficult job," Mr. McGee said. "But that's not sustainable — people will eventually walk, which is what's happening."
This highlights the ongoing challenge of police recruitment. The Labor government's 2020 promise to add 800 officers over four years has not yet been met. Minister Whitby acknowledged this was a "tough ask," but pointed to progress, stating that as of May 2025, there were over 7,300 police officers—the highest number ever and an increase from the previous year.
As Western Australians head out to enjoy the summer, they will be met with a reinforced police force, a strategy the government hopes will ensure safety while it continues to tackle the broader issues of officer retention and recruitment.
