BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Rural parts of the Hunter could soon be given new specialised officers to investigate country crime including livestock theft and illegal hunting following an announcement by the State Government to introduce more police to rural areas.

Police Commissioner Troy Grant has today announced the addition of 18 new officers, known as Rural Crime Investigators, to be added to the state’s ranks. This will bring the total to 60 Rural Crime Investigators all up in New South Wales.

The Hunter already has two Rural Crime Investigators, but could soon see some of the 18 new deployments stationed locally.

The deployment locations haven’t yet been decided, but the Hunter could be among them according to Police Minister Troy Grant.

“In all likelihood, there’s every possibility that the Hunter will be receiving additional resources,” he said.