NSW Police launch largest operation to ensure public safety at New Year's Eve events

NSW Police Force have today launched ‘Operation New Year’s Eve 2023’ - their largest operation this year with thousands of officers out in force - to ensure a positive start to 2024 and the safety of partygoers at Sydney Harbour foreshore and events across the state.

General duties officers from multiple police area commands and districts across the State will be assisted by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Licensing Police, Mounted and Dog Command, Marine Area Command, and PolAir.

NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley thanked police and other first responders for giving up time with their families to ensure everyone can celebrate the new year safely.

Minister Catley shared “I want to say thank you to every officer who is spending their New Year’s Eve keeping the public safe.”

“We want everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves but to do so safely and responsibly.”

“Our police are incredibly dedicated and hardworking. This operation goes to show how much effort they put in to keep the community of NSW safe.”

Central Metropolitan Region and Operation New Year’s Eve 2023 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke, said police will be out to promote public safety and target those engaging in dangerous and anti-social behaviour.

“This New Year’s Eve celebration is expected to be one of the largest we have seen. with free entry allowing more people from across Sydney to come to the city and have a good time; it also means there will be more police then ever out across Sydney looking after the public and responding to emergencies,” Assistant Commissioner Cooke noted.

“We have deployed hundreds of officers around the Harbour foreshore areas to ensure everyone remains safe. Across the State, thousands of officers will be attending New Year’s Eve celebrations to do the same.

“There will be both uniformed and plain-clothed police targeting those engaging in dangerous and anti-social behaviour throughout the night.

“This is a night for everyone to welcome the New Year safely. Everyone should enjoy the events but let’s do it safely. Look out for your mates and ensure everyone gets home safely. Nobody wants to see anybody begin the New Year in the back of a police truck.

“Police will be patrolling the CBD and Harbour foreshore throughout the evening and will also have a high-visibility presence on public transport during the New Year’s Eve period,” Assistant Commissioner Cooke added.

“The operation will be coordinated through the Police Operation Centre and Government Coordination Centre which will allow emergency services to respond to incidents quickly and effectively.”

Police are encouraging everyone making their way to the city to plan their night in advance.

The public is encouraged to leave their car at home and utilise public transport as there will be major road closures and special event clearways in place throughout the CBD on New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day.

Police Transport Command (PTC) officers will be travelling on trains, light rail, buses, and ferries, targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour, including anyone drinking alcohol. It is illegal to drink alcohol on public transport.

With significant maritime traffic expected on Sydney Harbour, police and maritime authorities will also be out in force to ensure that operators of recreational and commercial vessels are complying with maritime laws.

“All boaters celebrating the new year on the water should check their vessels before going out. Make sure that they are emergency ready and have all the necessary safety equipment.”

“Specialist police will also be out on the water conducting drug and alcohol testing, as well as compliance checks on vessels, so please be smart and look after each other.”