A contingent of Tasmania Police officers depart on Wednesday 19 October to assist the Western Australia Police Force during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth (28-30 October).

CHOGM involves Commonwealth leaders, their delegates, guests and observers, consular officials and 1000 international journalists. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will also attend the meeting.

The policing and security measures surrounding the biennial meeting of Commonwealth leaders are extensive. In addition to the protection of the delegates the event presents considerable challenges to day to day policing, particularly in relation to community safety, traffic management and public order.

Western Australia Police requested assistance from all state and federal policing agencies in Australia and New Zealand for the policing operation to provide a safe and secure event.

“Tasmania Police is pleased to offer the support of a group of officers, including intelligence and personal protection specialists,” said the Commissioner of Tasmania Police, Darren Hine.

The officers will work in teams with police from other jurisdictions under the supervision of WA Police. They will be sworn in as Special Constables in WA and appointed as Law Enforcement Officers under the CHOGM Act.

“DPEM regularly supports other jurisdictions when asked for assistance; this year we provided a support team to New Zealand to assist in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake.”

“The deployments not only assist our colleagues, they also provide a valuable training and development opportunity for our staff,” said Mr Hine.

More information about the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) can be found on the official CHOGM website.