Pinjarra Police say the metropolitan district restructure has benefited local residents by allowing officers to respond to crime faster and operate 24 hours a day.
The WA Police restructure saw four metropolitan districts split into eight smaller districts in July 2018.
The new Mandurah Police District encompasses Mandurah, Kwinana, Rockingham, Pinjarra and Dwellingup.
Pinjarra Police Acting Senior Sergeant Gareth Reed said the restructure has allowed the station to operate a night shift after recruiting two more staff.
A senior sergeant position was also created, who is the officer in charge.
“We are pretty much self sufficient,” Acting Senior Sergeant Reed said.
“Prior to the restructure in July, we didn’t have enough staff to maintain night shift and we would be relieved by Mandurah officers.
Residents are getting a more rapid response from local police who have a greater awareness and knowledge of the town and the people.
- Pinjarra Police Acting Senior Sergeant Gareth Reed
“Now, we are out there 24 hours a day.”
Acting Senior Sergeant Reed said this benefited the Pinjarra community.
“It means they are not waiting 15 or 20 minutes for someone to come from Mandurah,” he said.
“Residents are getting a more rapid response from local police who have a greater awareness and knowledge of the town and the people.”
The Pinjarra Police Station is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, but Acting Senior Sergeant Reed said officers are still on duty after hours.
“Even though the station is not open, officers are still responding to tasks,” he said.
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
