Acting Superintendent Peter McKenna gave Bathurst MP Paul Toole and Councillor Bobby Bourke a quick rundown on the van’s uses and benefits on Monday in response to calls for a mobile police station to be established in Kelso.

Cr Bourke, who has been door-knocking residents as he campaigns for the local government election on September 9, said crime in Kelso had been regularly raised as an issue of concern.

But when he took the idea of a new police station to Mr Toole, he was able to tell him an alternative approach was already on the streets.

“When Bobby spoke to me I told him about the mobile police command unit,” Mr Toole said.

“A lot of people would be pleasantly surprised to know the unit can be mobilised anywhere across the command to increase police visibility.

“We will continue to see it utilised throughout Bathurst.”

Acting Superintendent McKenna said the mobile units were not available to all commands but were a valuable asset for police.

He said it would be mobilised during serious incidents that would require police to remain on the scene for an extended period or during community relations exercises.

“We are particularly keen to take to parts of the command that don’t see enough police,” he said.

“When we do that, we will also advertise it on our Facebook page and encourage people to come and see us.

“The van also acts as a launching pad to roll out foot patrols or cycle patrols in an area.”

Acting Superintendent McKenna acknowledged concerns over crime in Kelso but said police were already taking action.

“Over the last six months we have had a higher police presence in Kelso than we’ve had in years, getting out there and engaging with the community,” he said.

“We have taken a different style of policing with a very proactive strategy of engagement and disruption.

“Rather than wait for a crime to be committed and the phone to ring we’re out there being proactive because, particularly in regional areas, we know who the criminals are.

“But let me also make the point that just because you don’t see doesn’t mean we aren’t out there.”

Cr Bourke said he was pleased to see police taking an active role in the community.

“As Bathurst is growing more out there around Kelso and Laffing Waters we need to be sure that police can respond to incidents quickly,” he said. “This is a great alternative to a new station.”