Security woes at new $3m police station

Allan Grindell
Allan Grindell
The New Zealand Police Association has taken up the case of Wanaka police staff unhappy with security at their new $3 million station, officially opened three weeks ago.

The association's director for police region 7, Grant Gerken, told the Otago Daily Times this week the main issues with the Ballantyne Rd station were the ''openness'' of the public counter and access to the station.

The front entrance has two automatic sliding glass doors and unlike most police stations, there is no barrier above the public counter.

Mr Gerken said the association and police administration were looking at solutions.

''We are trying to work through a compromise between being able to serve the community and be able to do that face-to-face, at the same time ensuring the safety of the officers and the security of the building.''

Asked if he thought this should have been done at the time the station was being constructed, Mr Gerken said: ''It's an interesting one.

''Sometimes, you identify things after things are in place.

''It's not the best way of finding out, but as long as we work together to find the best solution in the end, that's the main thing.''

Wanaka sub-area commander Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said staff concerns were being taken seriously.

He said it was expected alterations would be completed before Christmas.

There was a balance to be achieved between public access and staff safety, Snr Sgt Grindell said.

At the station opening, Police Assistant Commissioner Grant Nicholls praised the station, saying it was ''a world away from the austere and sometimes grim places we remember from history''.

- mark.price@odt.co.nz

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