An independent review commissioned by Tasmania Police and conducted by the Australian New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA) has found a significant surge in calls for assistance over the past decade, placing increased pressure on the force. The "Role of Police Review," released on July 9, 2026, reveals that dispatch incidents in Tasmania have risen by more than 40,000 annually, with safety and family-related incidents more than doubling. In 2023-24 alone, Tasmania recorded 138,756 dispatch incidents.

Family violence incidents have become the most frequent type handled by frontline officers, growing by 250 percent over the past decade. Youth crime and safety concerns are also key pressures identified in the report.

Commissioner Donna Adams stated the review highlights where "systems, processes and inter-agency arrangements" are not keeping pace with day-to-day realities. She emphasized the need to work within budget constraints to prioritize actions that will have the greatest impact on personnel, the organisation, and the community. The review includes 39 recommendations that will guide Tasmania Police's future priorities.

Efforts are underway to address issues raised, including exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can reduce the administrative burden on frontline officers and clarifying duties related to family violence. Additionally, innovations such as PACER (Police, Ambulance and Clinical Early Response teams) are recognized as important responses to the evolving policing environment.

Around 200 officers and policing partners contributed to the review through surveys and interviews conducted last year, providing comprehensive insights into frontline policing challenges in Tasmania.

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