The Port Stephens police association of NSW hopes to have more officers allocated to Nelson Bay Police Station through a renewed first response agreement with senior management of the local area command.

“The association has always pushed to have Nelson Bay fully manned,” said Mark Allanson, chairman of the Port Stephens police association.

“Boosting the numbers in Nelson Bay, putting more police there, is better for the community as well as the officers themselves; extra police will reduce the workload on each officer.”

Port Stephens LAC has an authorised strength of 109 officers.

According to the NSW Police Force website, at September 2015 Port Stephens had an “actual” strength of 118.

The number of police and resources allocated right across the command vary day-to-day is based on a variety of data that is used to determine what is likely needed where.

Up to two car crews, including a supervisor and a day station manager are currently based at the Nelson Bay station.

Port Stephens acting Superintendent Chris Schilt said the allocation was what is outlined in the existing year-long first response agreement, which is in discussions for renewal.

“Negotiations are still taking place, but the idea has been floated to look at doing a summer and winter first response agreement,” he said.

“We’re constantly reviewing crime trends, what is occurring in the area and what events are coming up to determine where we allocate resources.”

Two detectives, a proactive team of up to five officers and an afternoon car crew will bolster the current staffing at Nelson Bay Police Station during the summer months when the population of the town almost triples.