Lake Illawarra Police officers are braving snow and temperatures of less than 10 degrees Celsius after being deployed to enforce the NSW/Victorian border closure.
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About 20 officers from Lake Illawarra were tasked to Barry Way crossing, south of Jindabyne this week. Officers are being sent to the border on weekly rotations.
The officers have faced thick snow that has covered chairs, cars, safety cones and the outdoor heater.
They have tried to keep warm from a large fire.
The operation, which started July 8, has seen thousands of vehicles cross the border with police there to ensure drivers and passengers have all relevant documentation and identification at checkpoints.
Lake Illawarra Police District's crime prevention officer Sergeant Peter Northey said the officers were finding the weather "difficult".
"Lake Illawarra police are committed to supporting the state government's road closures," he said.
Sgt Northey said the crew were deployed on Sunday morning and would return on Saturday before another crew takes over for them at one of the checkpoints.
Lake Illawarra Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Dean Smith said police from across the southern region, including from Wollongong, would continue to support the border operation.
"Our officers at Lake Illawarra have formed part of Operation Border Closure and been working on checkpoints across the operational footprint and in the operation control centre," Det Supt Smith said.
"Although the conditions have been challenging, our officers have embraced their role in the operation. I am proud of their commitment and professionalism.
"We will continue to support the operation for its duration and work with local communities across the NSW/Victorian border."
The high-visibility operation includes general duties officers from across NSW, as well as Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and other specialist units, such as the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit.
Police are being assisted by the Australian Defence Force, with 350 personnel deployed from last Thursday.
More than 650 police officers will be sent to 54 border crossings and will conduct static and mobile patrols to stop people crossing without a permit.
Exemptions for those wishing to cross the border from Victoria to NSW are available online via the Service NSW website.
Those returning from declared COVID-19 hotspots in Victoria must self-isolate for 14 days.
The closure is one of the largest emergency operations ever conducted by police and the ADF.
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