More than a dozen additional police officers will be sent to Alice Springs following a series of violent brawls that led local authorities to impose a three-week curfew on the Red Centre.
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A team of 18 officers will form the Alice Springs Territory Safety Division, tasked with targeting youth crime, high-visibility policing and rapid response to public order situations.
Northern Territory Police Minister Brent Potter said the specialist unit would improve community safety and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
"We have seen the positive impact high-visibility policing has made across Alice Springs," he said on Thursday in reference to officers patrolling the town's streets during and since the curfew.
The officers and four extra police vehicles will be based at Alice Springs police station from June, in addition to extra officers already sent to the town.
The squad will also be tasked with providing surge responses to surrounding communities such as Tennant Creek when required.
The curfew was first imposed in late March after an 18-year-old was killed in a car crash which triggered clashes between rival families and led to a surge of violence.
The NT government declared an emergency and prohibited children under 18 from entering central Alice Springs between 6pm and 6am.
Since the end of the order, extra police patrols have been introduced to prevent a return to violence as government social workers have provided support for families.
The federal government on Monday committed an extra $14.2 million for policing and community safety supports in Alice Springs as part of an extension of its partnership with the territory government.
Justice advocates have previously warned punitive measures such as curfews and increased police numbers often fail to address root causes of crime and instead funnel more people into the criminal justice system.
Australian Associated Press
