LOCAL police are running at just 75 per cent capacity with dozens of officers off the beat injured, on sick leave or unable to fill their postings in places like Tamworth.

The Oxley Police District has about 140 officers that are operational and working the trucks, investigating crime and responding to call outs, 37 down from its 187 allocated or authorised strength capacity.

New England Police District is running at 72 per cent capacity for its 221-authorised strength, it can be revealed, after the two local policing superintendents confirmed the staffing shortages at a state parliamentary inquiry.

The Leader has been told local officers have raised continual fears and concerns with the Police Association of NSW - the union that represents the men and women in blue - as well as th

See Full Page