Upgrade to Bathurst Police Station now underway

The upgrade is the first time money has been spent on the station since it was opened back in 1991.

The upgrade was a 2019 election promise made by Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, who fast tracked the project.

Chief Inspector Glenn Cogdell from Chifley Police said the renovations would be completed in about six months.

"Basically its a complete revamp of the custody and charge room areas and the cells. It also includes new office space and working areas for general duties, detectives and admin staff, basically all of our different sections in police station."

He said it was good to see work begin, saying conditions for police had been cramped.

"The station opened 30 years ago, and since then staffing numbers have increased in various sections.

"Effectively we are increasing in number and outgrowing what was built 30 years ago."

And while the renovations are underway he said the police station will remain operational.

"For the community at least it will be business as usual... there will be no change to any policing response, the only change will be internal with some staff moved temporarily until renovation is completed.

While the cells and charging rooms are upgraded he said there was a contingency plan in place.

"But as far as community concerned operated as normal.

He said if people still want to speak with a police officer at the station they can do so, though it could be noisy.

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"What we are requesting is if possible, the community can report crime via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or utilise the NSW Police community portal.

Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, said it was great to see work on the upgrade finally underway

"It has been 30 years since any major works have been undertaken on the police station and in that time staffing has grown.

"We've got additional police at the station.

"We've got the Regional Enforcement Squad, the Dog Squad, additional inspectors, even in the last week Chifley has gotten two new probationary constables."

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