Request Police Presence for Events - Perth Bylaws

Public Safety Western Australia 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia event organisers must coordinate public safety with the City of Perth and the Western Australia Police Force when events affect crowd safety, traffic or use of public places. This guide explains when to request police presence, who is responsible, how permits and traffic plans interact with policing needs, common compliance risks, and practical action steps for organisers in Perth.

Contact WA Police early to discuss safety and traffic plans.

When to request police presence

If your event involves road closures, large crowds, amplified sound, alcohol sales or significant traffic management, you will usually need to consult both the City of Perth and WA Police about police presence and traffic control. Make early enquiries with the Council events team and WA Police events/traffic unit so any required permits, traffic management plans and policing can be arranged.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of public safety at events is shared: the City of Perth enforces local permits and bylaws while WA Police enforces criminal and traffic laws and manages public order. Specific fine amounts and penalty units for failing to obtain required police support or permits are generally not listed in a single public bylaw page; where an exact figure or section is not provided on the cited official pages it is stated as such below.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited pages for event policing or Council event permits; see the council and WA Police pages for applicable offences and fee schedules.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence treatment is not specified on the cited event pages; penalties depend on the specific bylaw or statutory offence the breach attracts.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include direction to cease the activity, removal of equipment, event suspension or closure, seizure of materials, or prosecution in court under the relevant statute or bylaw.
  • Enforcers and complaints: WA Police are the primary enforcer for public order and traffic offences; the City of Perth enforces permit conditions and local laws. Use the official council events contact and WA Police events contact channels to request assistance or lodge complaints.[1]
  • Appeals and review: rights of review or appeal depend on the decision type (permit refusal, infringement notice or prosecution). Specific appeal time limits are not published on the cited event pages and should be confirmed in the decision notice or by contacting the issuing agency.
  • Defences and discretion: authorities may consider permits, approved traffic management plans and accredited stewards as mitigating factors; consult WA Police and the City of Perth for formal exemptions or variances.
If you proceed without required approvals you may be directed to stop the event and face enforcement action.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth publishes guidance and application processes for events and filming and lists requirements for permits, approvals and traffic management. Specific form names, numbers and statutory fees are not centrally enumerated on the cited page; organisers should follow the City of Perth application process and consult WA Police for any police support request or cost recovery arrangements.[1]

  • Event application: see the City of Perth events and permits page for the application form and checklist.
  • Traffic Management Plan: required when roads are used or closed; WA Police or Main Roads WA may set standards for TMPs.
  • Fees: submission and permit fees vary by event and are not specified on the cited pages; contact the City of Perth for fee schedules.

FAQ

Do I need to hire police for a public event in Perth?
Contact WA Police and the City of Perth to assess whether police presence is required; requirements depend on crowd size, public safety risks and road use.
Who pays for police presence?
Costs and cost recovery for police support are determined by WA Police policy and any local arrangements; confirm costs directly with WA Police when you apply.
How far in advance should I apply?
Application timing varies by event size and approvals needed; check the City of Perth events guidance and contact both the Council and WA Police early in planning.

How-To

  1. Assess the event risks and determine if road closures, alcohol, or large crowds will require police or traffic control.
  2. Prepare an Event Application and supporting documents for the City of Perth, including a Traffic Management Plan if roads are used.
  3. Contact WA Police events/traffic management to request police presence and agree on roles, timings and any cost recovery.
  4. Submit forms to the City of Perth and provide copies of TMP and safety plans to WA Police; keep records of approvals and communications.
  5. If required, pay permit fees and any agreed policing or traffic control charges before the event.
  6. On the event day, comply with directions from WA Police and Council officers; if enforcement action is taken, follow the formal review or appeal instructions on any notice issued.

Key Takeaways

  • Engage City of Perth and WA Police early when events affect roads, crowds or safety.
  • Prepare a Traffic Management Plan and submit required event forms to the Council.
  • Confirm policing arrangements and any costs with WA Police before finalising your event plan.

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