While policing operations specific to the Mount will be announced next week, the city’s most senior police officer, Supt Paul McDonald, said plans for the CBD precinct, for which Chifley Police District has carriage of, have been finalised.

And while the operation on the Mount is separate to the town, police said it doesn’t mean resources can’t be diverted from one area to another rapidly if required.

Over race week Supt McDonald said the community can expect to see plenty of police either walking the beat or engaging in licencing operations, all with the sole aim of keeping the community safe.  

“In our police district, we’ve increased resources by placing a leave embargo on all staff,” he said.

“People can expect to see high visibility policing the whole weekend,” he said.

That high visibility policing will cater for traffic flow, pedestrian flow, alcohol-related issues and the general task of getting people from place to place.

Chifley Police will focus on the CBD, using beat patrols, mobile patrols and possibly police horses – which are all over and above normal police responses.

And with the city’s population expected to almost triple over the race week, Supt McDonald said police are expecting traffic movement in the region to increase significantly, and reminded drivers to exercise caution on the roads.

“Given the expected increase in traffic we’re urging all motorists to be vigilant with their speed, fatigue and driving behaviour,” he said.

“Drivers need to exercise patience, allow extra travel time, and expect delays.

He said officers will be cracking down on motorists who choose to flout the road rules, and warned people not to put yourself, or other road users at risk.

Supt McDonald said Operation Slow Down begins on Friday, September 28, at 12.01am and continues until 11.59pm on Monday night.

“During this time double demerit points will be in effect, with police targeting speeding, alcohol and drug driving, fatigue, non-wearing of occupant restraints and helmets and distractions (mobile phones).”

This race week, Supt McDonald said the message is enjoy yourself,  but don’t over indulge.

“Look after each other and have fun,” he said.