Over the next four years, Western Australia will allocate nearly $100 million to gradually transfer court security and custody operations under the sheriff’s office, the Department of Justice confirmed. The initiative seeks to develop specialized state capabilities while minimizing dependence on WA Police for these functions.
Eight regional areas lead initial transition
The first phase targets regional courts where the shift promises the most advantage for judicial operations and law enforcement. Implementation will begin in Busselton, Northam, Geraldton, Carnarvon, Karratha, South Hedland, Kununurra, and Esperance.
Traditionally, court security and custody operations underpin courtroom functions and protect judicial staff, court employees, and public safety. Under the revised structure, police workloads are projected to decrease by roughly 45,000 annual hours, freeing officers to prioritize direct community policing.
The transition will create 127 full-time equivalent roles, comprising 101 positions in regional areas and 26 dedicated to operational and administrative support. These posts will reinforce local justice teams in hubs such as Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, and Port Hedland.
To ensure seamless service continuity, the current court security and custody contract will remain active during the sheriff’s office workforce expansion. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has issued a tender for a new custodial transport contract, covering secure movements between prisons, courts, police lockups, hospitals, and other authorized sites.
Acting Director General Brad Royce APM, who also serves as Corrective Services Commissioner, described the changes as a “significant investment in the future of our justice system.” In a statement, he emphasized that the reforms would “help ensure courts continue to operate safely, reliably, and effectively” across Western Australia.
Royce highlighted that consolidating these services within the sheriff’s office would enhance government expertise while shifting non-core policing tasks away from WA Police. The department will collaborate with police and other partners throughout the transition to guarantee a structured handover. The sheriff’s office will oversee the new framework.
