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Police pool resources

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

Police Minister Liza Harvey told the Gazette the new facility would allow WA Police to consolidate two existing leases the District Management Team in Myaree and the Response Team in Bibra Lake and the Cockburn Police Station on one site.

"The construction of the new Cockburn Central Police Station will replace the need for the existing police station as it currently operates," she said.

But Ms Harvey did throw the ageing facility a lifeline, saying WA Police would review its accommodation needs throughout the metropolitan region and reuse or dispose of any property as required.

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"Police officers will be allocated according to operational requirements," she said.

While the ageing base on Rockingham Road can accommodate just 27 staff, the new home will be substantially bigger, with space for some 200 personnel across shifts.

The facility will include short- term custodial facilities consisting of a charge room, space to receive detainees, two cells and interview rooms, plus storage and a gymnasium.

After touring the South Metropolitan Police District last week, WA Police Union president George Tilbury backed the move.

He said the South Metropolitan Police District was one of the busiest in the WA and needed modern facilities to allow police to do their job "effectively and efficiently".

"The existing Cockburn station is no longer able to cater for the needs of modern policing," he said.

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