Police stations raise the bar

Two new state-of-the-art police stations at Fitzroy Crossing and Looma are set to raise the bar in community safety and the delivery of police services in the Kimberley.

The stations are the latest in boosting police presence and facilities after the State’s Gordon review into child abuse and domestic violence around the Kimberley.

Police officers at Fitzroy Crossing have welcomed the establishment of a new multimillion dollar station, built on site at the existing station.

The new facility is estimated to be four times bigger, with more holding cells and separate operating areas.

Acting Sen. Sgt Mason Ball said the station was “designed with best practice in mind” and was in line with other government buildings in the Kimberley.

Sgt Ball said gradual staff increases over the years had seen Fitzroy Crossing police “outgrow” the existing facility, and more than a dozen personnel were expected to move in by the end of the year.

The establishment will include a separate police area, a public quarter and a separate interview room.

Sgt Ball said the biggest challenge officers had faced over the years was shortage space. The current semitransportable station installed in the 1970s accommodated three staffing officers.

Sgt Ball said Fitzroy Police currently served about 2000 residents and the new facility had the means to improve delivery of service.

“We now have the space and accommodation to deal with adverse conditions, including major operations such as a homicide,” he said.

“The level of service remains the same, but the delivery is a lot better and more efficient.”

MLA Carol Martin also welcomed the move, and said the Fitzroy Crossing station had always been “urgent” because of its “appalling” conditions.

Ms Martin said she was also pleased the station at Looma was being built, adding the decision saw Aboriginal people as “senior citizens” entitled to the same rights and safety as others.