The Department of Police and Emergency Management has recorded another year of strong performance in its 2011-12 Annual Report.

“In a period which has also been one of the agency’s most challenging, the Department has continued to provide quality policing and emergency management services to the Tasmanian community,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

The strong results show another successful year for reducing crime; Total Offences decreased by 11%, building on the 10% reduction for 2010-11.

“I want to congratulate our members for their dedication and commitment to keeping Tasmania a safe place,” said Mr Hine.

From the 2011-12 Annual Report:

• Serious crime offences, which includes the most serious Assaults and Sexual Assaults, Robbery, Arson and Homicide related offences, decreased by 16%.
• Stolen Motor Vehicles were prioritised, and the number of vehicles stolen decreased over the period by 16%.
• Property offences decreased by 13%, including Burglary of Buildings down by 9% and Arson down by 15%.

“Despite operating with a reduced budget, the Department has continued to provide high-level services to Tasmanians,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

Tasmanians continue to have confidence in police and feel safe in public places according to the National Survey of Community Satisfaction with Policing 2011-12.

“The confidence Tasmanians have in their police service is well placed.  The continuing decline in public place assaults is a key factor in the perception of public safety,” said Mr Hine.

"Traffic policing continued to be a key priority.  The number of fatal and serious injury crashes reduced to the lowest level recorded in 40 years.”

In 2010-11 there were 301 fatal and serious injury crashes while in the reporting period there were 254.

“Our policing strategies targeted high-risk behaviours and locations, including a greater focus on rural roads.”

Almost 69,000 Infringement Notices were issued for speeding offences and more than 3,500 drivers were charged with drink driving offences.

“I would also like to thank the State Emergency Service volunteers for their service to the community.  SES volunteers responded to 619 emergency callouts, totalling 7,385 hours of emergency contact time,” said Mr Hine.

“The commitment, skills and achievements of the volunteers are highly valued.”

For further details, view the DPEM Annual Report 2011-2012.