Project Servator aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring police presence for the public. It is used by several police forces in the UK and the New South Wales Police Force is the first law enforcement agency in the Southern Hemisphere to roll it out.

Our officers are specially trained to spot tell-tale signs that someone is planning or preparing to commit an act of crime.

The approach relies on police working with the community because we believe that ‘Together, we've got it covered'. We work with partners, including businesses and members of the public to continue to protect New South Wales and everyone who lives, works, or visits here and to make it a difficult place for criminals and terrorists to operate.

Project Servator has been successful in gathering intelligence that has assisted counter terrorism police in investigating and preventing acts of terror. It has resulted in many arrests for a range of offences and is responsible for removing firearms, knives and drugs from the streets.

A new way of working

The NSW Police Force is carrying out unpredictable, highly visible deployments which can happen anywhere at any time. If you see Project Servator officers where you are, there's nothing to worry about. It's normal police activity and not linked to any specific intelligence about a threat to the area.

You'll see uniformed and plain clothes officers, and we might also include officers from other teams, such as the Mounted Unit, Dog Unit and Police Transport Command.

During these deployments NSW Police Force officers will be talking to the public, local businesses, and private security staff to let them know what they are doing and remind them to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report any suspicious or unusual activity. You many also see officers handing out leaflets explaining what Project Servator is, or posters on display.

Working with the community is a vital part of making Project Servator a success. If you have any questions please feel free to talk to our officers.

Why are we doing this

Protecting, reducing and deterring crime remains our key priority. Our security measures will evolve as the nature of threats evolve.

These new tactics will enable us to deploy our resources more effectively to help protect our community.

We aim to provide reassurance to the public while informing them of police activity and increase overall security vigilance among the wider community.

Project Servator will also deter would-be criminals and make them easier to detect by specially trained police.

What can the community do to help?

Our success relies on support and vigilance from members of the public, and businesses and retailers have a vital role to play too.

You should report anything that doesn't feel right, for example an unattended item or someone acting suspiciously.

You can report your concerns to officers who are out and about. Alternatively, you can contact:

National Security Hotline: 1800 123 400

In an emergency: Triple Zero (000)

Report criminal activity: Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000