Your Local Area Command (LAC)
A Local Area Command is a geographical area in which police are responsible for
safety in the community. Commands are usually situated and aligned relative to Local Government Areas due to legislative guidelines
that affect different areas. Each officer in the command has a different role to undertake. Below is a brief
description of officers and their duties in your Local Area Command.
Local Area Commander (LAC)
rank :
Superintendent
The Local Area Commander manages the command, providing leadership and motivation.
They also ensure adequate supervision, training, and career development for all staff and encourage community and staff participation
in local initiatives.
Duty Officer
rank :
Inspector or Acting Inspector
The Duty officer supports the LAC in identifying issues, criminal activities
and community concerns. Together they develop, co-ordinate and plan operational activities to address local crime related
problems. Each Command may have a number of Duty Officers who directly assume the authority of the LAC in his absence.
They are often mobile and in direct supervision of operational units and teams within the Command. On
some occasions, Duty Officers assume authority over units in neighbouring Commands, for example, high speed pursuits and emergencies during
the absence/incapacity of native Duty Officers.
Station Manager
rank :
Sergeant to Inspector
The Station Manager manages the day-to-day running and administration within
each station. They control and supervise the handling of exhibits and properties.
Custody Manager
rank:
Constable to Sergeant
The Custody Manager is solely responsible for the safety and well-being of persons in
custody at a police station.
Crime Manager
rank :
Detective Inspector
The Crime Manager directs and co-ordinates all major investigations within
the command. This also includes the direction and supervision of Task Forces or Strike Forces who
are detailed to investigate individual major crimes or major criminal activity within the Command. The Crime Manager
is also responsible for the efficient running of the Crime Management Unit (CMU) which is a team of officers who collate,
analyse and disseminate all information and intelligence that affects operational policing within the Command.
Team Leader/Shift Supervisor
rank :
Sergeant
This officer assesses shift requirements for the patrol. They allocate police officers
and monitor their work load and safety.
Highway Patrol Supervisor
rank :
Senior Constable to Senior Sergeant
The Highway Patrol Supervisor attends major traffic incidents, and supervises road safety
activities such as patrolling clearways, radar and speed operations, random breath testing and VIP escorts. This officer develops
plans to maintain the free flow of traffic in your area.
Highway Patrol Constable
rank :
Constable to Senior Constable
Highway Patrol Officers are responsible for road safety by assisting the free and safe
movement of people and traffic. They also provide support in emergency and special situations to general duties police.
Supervisor - Traffic Services
(very rare creature)
rank :
Senior Constable to Sergeant
This officer attends major traffic incidents and participates in traffic management committees
with the community. They are also responsible for all motor vehicle accident records.
Licensing Sergeant
rank: Sergeant
The Licensing Sergeant is responsible for management of liquor, security and some firearms
licensing matters within the Command. Often the Licensing Sergeant will supervise and manage a team of police
attached to the licensing unit within each Command.
Community Safety Officer
rank:
Constable to Senior Constable
The Community Safety Officer is the officer responsible for management of proactive strategies
within each Command which may relate to anything from school and community education through to Youth anti-crime projects.
General Duties Constable
rank :
Constable to Senior Constable
This officer responds to incidents in your area such as :- road accidents, break and enters,
domestic violence, noise complaints, lost kids and other criminal activities.
Station Officer
rank :
Constable to Senior Constable
This officer is solely responsible for station area customer service and handling
of office administration. They also handle all general counter and telephone enquiries.
Sector Supervisor
rank :
Constable to Sergeant
This officer is in charge of one or a number of outstations or remote areas within
a command. Duties include supervising staff, co-ordinating police activities and maintaining close community contact.
Education and Development Officer
rank :
Sergeant to Inspector
This officer liaises with the Local Area Commander and Police Academy staff on training and development programs.
They co-ordinate all training programs and provide guidance, encouragement and assistance to police in their studies.
Crime Management Unit (CMU)
rank :
Senior Constable to Sergeant
This team of officers, led by a Team Leader, collates information and monitors
crime trends. They then provide information to all officers at the command.
