The Hunter River Times

By Di Sneddon

Over the past eight years, police numbers operating out of the Singleton station have increased dramatically and that is exactly why the Hunter Street building needs a multi-million-dollar revamp.

All up $12million has been allocated by the state government for the upgrade with $2.5million allocated in the coming financial year to get the project started.

And it has been a long time coming.  The police station in Hunter Street dates to 1896 and is on the register for local buildings of historic significance.  There have been some additions over the years, but the most recent work carried out was back in 1996 so you can understand there is a level of excitement amongst the local Force as to when and how the new building may take shape.

While very early in the planning phase, the new build intends to retain the heritage look of the original building but inside a new, more open, fresh and welcoming feel will encourage the community to step inside.

Stepping inside Singleton Police Station is perhaps something no one really wants to do but with the entry itself not so accessible and a heavy front door difficult for those with mobility issues, it is something high on the new design agenda.

“We are hoping it will be brighter and more accessible to the community and not so closed off as it appears now,” Chief Inspector Jo Schultz told The Hunter River Times.

The custody area, while still currently operational, is also in need of an upgrade.

“A modernised custody area will allow for better facilities for visitation and for those in custody to speak to legal representatives,” Chief Inspector Schultz said.

While it will be wonderful for the community, it is also the police who need consideration.

Their current facility was once home to a handful of officers.  Now the station has 50 staff including 28 general duties officers.  The station operates 24 hours a day and a station officer on duty every day from 6am as well as every Friday and Saturday night.

“In addition to general duties, we have detectives, police prosecutors, support staff, highway patrol on site, we also accommodate the proactive crime team, crime prevention unit and scene of crime officers who work here from time to time, so it is wonderful to be receiving the funding for a new work space,” Chief Inspector Schultz said.

The Singleton police sector is a large one stretching approximately 5000 square kilometres covering over 70 towns, villages and localities from Putty, to Bulga, Broke and down to Jerrys Plains and beyond.  The growing towns of Branxton, Greta and Huntlee are also included in this area.

Police work is equally diverse with officers expected to respond to incidents on two of the major state highways, two of the largest national parks in the state as well as lots of residential areas.

There is a mix of residential and rural crime from cattle rustling to theft from vehicles and our officers are expected to respond to it all.

Given it has been 125 years since the building was first open, it is probably about time the old girl got a sprucing up.

#Singleton Police Station is open as described but from time to time, the front door may be closed in an emergency if those police in the station are all required to attend to a serious incident.