Border control is a challenging job but Southern Highlands and Goulburn police are rising to the challenge.
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Hume Police District officers are currently working at the Victorian border as a part of a major NSW Police operation, in order to minimise COVID-19 outbreaks between the states.
Their tasks include closing and controlling the borders between NSW and Victoria, and ensuring people comply with health orders.
The Hume Police District has also been asked to supply an incident management team.
This includes an inspector, a sargent and two constables.
When the border closures were first announced, 16 officers from the Southern Highlands and Young went to the border.
Police have been stationed in various areas including Albury, Delegate, Bombala, Corowa, Mulwala, Tocumwal and Cooma.
Southern Highlands Police acting superintendent John Klepczarek said border control was a 24-hour task.
"It's probably one of our biggest undertakings. There's a lot of travelling to and from those different places, and the conditions are quite harsh," he said.
"We've been to some pretty remote places that are quite cold," he said.
"At night police are definitely working under sleet and snow."
Acting superintendent Klepczarek said border residents have given police officers a warm welcome.
"What the police are very encouraged by is the hospitality of locals," he said.
Officers have received fire pits, 44-gallon drums and firewood to keep them warm while they work.
Locals have also given police baked goods as signs of their appreciation.
Acting superintendent Klepczarek said the appreciation made officers' jobs easier.
"At the same time, we're learning the process of what's required of a border crossing," he said.
"We've never had to close the Victorian border before."
About 650 police officers are supporting police units in border towns.
The high-visibility operation includes general duties officers from across NSW, 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 to be deployed last Thursday.
Assistance will also be provided by other government agencies including Transport For NSW and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as required.
