ALMOST 28 years after it was built, Bathurst Police Station is at capacity, so news it's about to get a $7 million dollar facelift has been welcomed with open arms by officers who work there.
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Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced the city's crime fighters will soon have an upgraded base, with a multi-million investment in the station.
Supt Paul McDonald said the layout of the current station presented some challenges for staff, which would be addressed with the overhaul.
He said staffing numbers have continued to grow, and with additional support services such as the regional enforcement squad and forensics now based in Bathurst alongside front of house staff, general duties, detectives business and senior management, space was at a premium.
"The building has remained largely unchanged in the past 28 years, and we've grown exponentially during that time.
"There is the need for more space to get the job done safely and get it done well," he said.
He said the main focus of the upgrade will be the station area, where general duties officers work 24-7.
He said at the moment general duties officers in particular are working in cramped conditions and it was envisioned through the funding the area could be opened up and given more room.
Supt McDonald said there would be no major structural changes to the station, which would remain fully operational during the upgrade and said he would be collaborating with all staff when it came to designing the area.
"I'll be talking with everyone who is involved; the officers who are using the space.
"We need to make sure it works for them, it's very important they have input," he said.
Mr Toole said it was great news for the Bathurst community.
"Our local police station has served the community well, however, an upgrade and expansion is needed to meet the needs of the growing community and ensure our police have the best facilities available to do their jobs," he said.
Mr Toole said the state is seeing some of the lowest crime rates in two decades but further proactive work will always continue to tackle emerging issues.
He said the $7 million investment will ensure the police have the tools, resources and boots on the ground to continue driving crime rates down even further.
Mr Toole said policing was often a thankless job, but said he speaks on behalf of the entire community when he said how much we appreciate the police.
