Progress at Last: Quintin King Welcomes Boost to Police Numbers in Cessnock

Cessnock City Councillor Quintin King has welcomed the arrival of six new probationary constables to the Hunter Valley Police District, calling it a positive step forward in addressing the critical policing shortage the region has faced for a long time.

“After months of advocating on behalf of our community, I am pleased to see real action being taken,” Cr King said. “The arrival of these new officers will make a genuine difference to community safety and morale.”

Cr King has been vocal about the need for increased police presence, tabling a motion in February urging the state government to address what he described as a “chronic” shortage of officers in Cessnock. Residents had reported rising fears over public safety, citing issues ranging from theft and property damage to a lack of response to non-critical incidents.

“These new recruits are a welcome relief, but this must only be the beginning. Our community deserves consistent and adequate police resources to ensure safety and wellbeing for all,” Cr King said.

The new officers are part of Class 365—the largest graduating group in over a decade—and the first to benefit from the “Be a Cop in Your Home Town” initiative, allowing recruits to return and serve in their local communities.

“I thank the Minister for Police, our local member, the Mayor and the NSW Government for listening to our concerns, and I will continue pushing to ensure Cessnock receives the full support it needs,” Cr King added.