Members of the Police Association’s Bathurst branch say the state’s police executive has reneged on a promise to address the shortfalls, instead passing the buck down the line.

Branch administrator Peter Foran yesterday said members had been involved in a long running campaign to get more police, which was taken to Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas in November last year.

Mr Foran said at that time the deputy commissioner said the dispute was “firmly on his desk” and would remain there until it was resolved.

However, Mr Foran said the association got word late on Thursday that the issue had been passed back to Western Region commander Geoff McKechnie to resolve, but branch members believe he does not have the power to make the necessary changes.

“This issue has been a problem for well over 12 months,” Mr Foran said.

He said NSW Police have first response guidelines which determine how many police are rostered on at a given time.

He said in 2012, the Bathurst branch of the Association presented a first response agreement to Local Area Commander Supt Michael Robinson, but while the commander supported the agreement he was unable to sign it because he didn’t have the staff to implement it.

As per the award, the officers work under the dispute was elevated to Assistant Commissioner McKechnie, and then to Deputy Commissioner Kaldas in November 2013.

At that point the Bathurst station received two additional staff the Deputy Commissioner’s word that the problem would remain with him until resolved.

However, Mr Foran said he was notified on Thursday that Mr Kaldas was putting it back on the western region commander to resolve the issue.

“This flies in the face of the promise made to us last year,” Mr Foran said.

“He gave us a commitment it would remain with him until it was resolved.

“For members of the Police Association it’s verging on offensive.”

Mr Foran said following an urgent association meeting yesterday members are calling for Deputy Commissioner Kaldas to come back to the table and resolve the issue.

“The Association has sent a formal letter to the deputy commissioner, highlighting our outrage and disappointment,” he said. “We’re calling for the deputy commissioner to come back to the table and resolve the issue, and if it’s not resolved, it will be passed on to the Industrial Relations Commission.

“This has gone on far too long. We need enough members on the street to do our job safely.”