More police are expected to be on the beat over the next four years after the state government announced $282 million to recruit an extra 550 officers and upgrade facilities.
The funding injection to WA Police also includes upgrades to infrastructure to house the officers.
Jointly announcing the funding with Police Minister Liza Harvey on Wednesday, prior to Thursday's state budget, Treasurer Troy Buswell said $215 million would be spent on the recruitment program and $67 million towards a capital works program, both spread over four years.
Mrs Harvey said 50 police officers would be recruited this year and in 2014 for a new rapid response unit in Perth's southern suburbs and 33 auxiliary officers will be signed up for general duties.
"The infrastructure upgrades will take place where they are most needed, in particular in Perth's outer suburbs," Mrs Harvey said.
She said the new recruitment program would be in addition to the 100 police officers to be recruited by June 2014 as part of the government's previous growth program.
"We will continue to invest in our local and regional communities to ensure we are building stronger and safer societies," Mrs Harvey said.
