Wickham police station will not be downgraded

3/7/94

The Wickham police station will not be downgraded.

Police Minister Bob Wiese, who visited the station today, said the station would remain open and would not be reassessed as had been originally announced.

"In fact, depending on industry developments in the area, there is even a possibility of the station being upgraded in the future," Mr Wiese said.

"The station will also be spruced up under the Government's special $1.5 million maintenance allocation to improve working conditions for police officers throughout Western Australia."

More than $11,000 had been earmarked for painting, new floor coverings and plumbing work at the station.

In addition, the Roebourne police station had been allocated $15,000 for air conditioning and would receive new computer equipment through the Government's $1 million funding for extra resources.

Mr Wiese said the conditions in many police stations throughout WA had been allowed to run down to the point of being substandard.

"Not only does this affect the morale of the officers who have to work in these conditions, it also presents very poorly to the public who visit the stations," he said.

"This Government is providing the conditions and resources needed for our police to be able to do their jobs efficiently and Wickham is a part of that program."

Media Contact:  Brian Coulter 222 9595 / 481 2133