Tasmania Police and the Department of Justice have agreed on a memorandum of understanding for new prisoner security arrangements at the Launceston Magistrates Court that will free up police resources for operational work.

The responsibility for the transport and security of defendants in custody who are appearing in the Launceston Magistrates Court will transfer from police to the Department of Justice.  Transition to the new arrangements will begin on 1 December.

“This has been a collaborative approach and we acknowledge the Magistrates Court for their role in setting up the new security arrangements,” said the Deputy Commissioner, Scott Tilyard.

“This change allows police in the Northern District to return to their core function, which is frontline policing,” said MrTilyard.

The new arrangement, which will cost approximately $65,000 for the remainder of this financial year, will be funded from the police budget at this stage, but the prospect of supplementary funding is being pursued.

“Up to eight Launceston police officers spend part of their day on court duties so this is a significant boost in terms of our resourcing and flexibility in rostering,” said Mr Tilyard.

“The long-term benefits for frontline policing in the Northern District far outweigh the costs of the funding agreement.”

The arrangements mean that the two highest volume courts in Tasmania, Hobart and Launceston, will be primarily responsible for their own security arrangements.

The requirement for police to undertake prisoner escort and security for out-of-hours court appearances, youths in custody or on remand from the Ashley Detention Centre, the Launceston Supreme Court and the Burnie Magistrates and Supreme Courts will remain unchanged.