The Northern Territory Police Minister says she is strongly opposed to trialling a dog squad in Alice Springs, concerned it would "just push the problem" of local crime elsewhere.
Private firm Neptune Security Services has submitted a proposal to the NT government, suggesting a six-month trial involving a five-person team and two dogs, to curb rising crime levels in the town.
Police Minister Kate Worden last week announced she had requested greater "police visibility" in the Central Australian town, following desperate calls for immediate action from the region's tourism peak body.
But while some claim a dog squad could help free up police resources, Ms Worden said it was not the answer.
"You have dogs around that are fierce-looking dogs that are a deterrent, but you just push the problem elsewhere," she said.
"What we need to do is get to the core of the problem."
Security firm surprised by opposition
Chris Harris, who manages Neptune's Public Order Response Unit, said he was mystified by the minister's concerns.
"[We] can provide the support to NT Police by offering a team of proactive, highly trained and experienced handlers and communicators," he said.
"Our efforts will help address the crime residents and business are facing daily, whilst ensuring we tie in other social response units that are already operating on the ground."
Mr Harris said the dog squad would provide a "supplementary force" for police, and claimed the proposal was receiving "overwhelming support" from the community.
"Our team would offer protection and help with the city centre, freeing police to deal with the specialised, high-end matters within the suburbs and homes of residents," he said.
Neptune has said the dogs would be primarily used to protect security officers, and would not endanger any members of the public.
The firm already provides similar services in the Darwin suburbs of Karama and Malak, as part of the city's Public Order Response Unit.
"[We] have been fortunate in receiving ongoing feedback from multiple sources that all indicate a reduction in antisocial behaviour and crime across each area we patrol," Mr Harris said.
But Ms Worden said the patrols were "displacing" people, pushing them into neighbouring electorates.
"It's like a balloon, you squeeze one bit and it just balloons out another way," she said.
No time frame on decision
Minister Worden said the social order response team, formed by the territory government in August to provide a coordinated response to local crime, had other solutions.
"It's about outreach, it's about making sure people are not living rough, that we're connecting people to services, it's about getting patrollers back on streets," she said.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said this week there was still no time frame on when a decision would be made on Neptune's proposal.
"We will let that go through the procurement process, it's not off the table," she said.
Ms Fyles would not confirm whether she supported the idea of a dog squad.
"What I do support is evidence-based and tailored solutions for the community," she said.
