Police Numbers Fall Under Whitby As Violent Crime Increases
Media Release | 18 March 2026
Adam Hort MLA
Shadow Minister for Police; Corrective Services; Youth
New data has revealed police numbers in Western Australia has gone backwards during
Reece Whitby’s first year as Police Minister, while violent crime across the state continues to
rise.
Shadow Police Minister Adam Hort said the figures exposed the Government’s failure on its
promise to strengthen the police force and keep the community safe.
“Minister Whitby’s first year as Police Minister has been an abject failure; the number of police
officers is falling while violent crime is at record levels,” Mr Hort said.
“Police officers do not just walk away from the job. Rising resignations and retirements point
to a serious morale and retention problem, and it is clear many officers do not feel valued for
the incredibly difficult work they do.”
Mr Hort said the Government’s long-promised commitment to deliver 950 additional police
officers was now almost two years overdue.
“West Australians were promised 950 extra officers on the beat over half a decade ago, yet
police numbers are now going backwards instead of growing,” he said.
The latest figures show the total police headcount fell from 7,360 officers in April 2025 to
7,341 officers in January 2026.
Over the same period, the total number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions increased by
just 3.37, highlighting how little progress has been made in growing the force.
Resignations and retirements are rising, the number of graduates from the WA Police
Academy is falling, and the number of recruits being accepted into the academy has dropped
sharply.
“This is a clear warning sign for the future strength of the Police Force,” Mr Hort said
“With fewer recruits coming through the academy and more experienced officers leaving the
job, the pressure on frontline police will only grow.
“West Australians are seeing increases in violent crime, threatening behaviour and drug
offences in their communities.
“There is never a good time to see police numbers going backwards, but it is particularly
concerning at a time when violent crime is the highest on record.”
Media contact: Hayden Tognela – 0467 044 028
