South Australia Police (SAPOL) has announced plans to standardise opening hours at several regional police stations for administrative front counter services. This initiative, set to begin on Monday December 23rd 2024, aims to utilise police resources more effectively by aligning the hours of operation with periods of higher public demand.
The revised hours will see front counters open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays. On weekends, for those stations currently offering services, the hours will be adjusted to 9am to 3.30pm. This change is designed to reinstate police officers to more active patrolling and roles that directly respond to community needs, instead of manning the front desks during times of little or no public interaction.
Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott of the State Operations Service (SOS) spoke about m the shift’s primary objective. “SAPOL’s priority is to provide a highly visible police presence on our streets and to place police officers where they are needed most. Police stations are often staffed by taking officers from other operational or frontline positions, including patrols,” Parrott stated. He reassured the public that this adjustment in operational hours would not compromise the level of policing or responsiveness in the affected towns.
Of the changes set to take effect, 14 police stations across seven local service areas in the state will see modifications to their operating times. These include stations in Nuriootpa, Gawler, Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Coober Pedy, Port Augusta, Mount Barker, Berri, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Millicent, and Port Pirie.
Significantly, Berri, Port Pirie, and Mount Gambier will adjust from a 24/7 operational schedule to the new standardised hours. SAPOL has taken steps to cater for emergencies during closed hours by installing Emergency Help Units (call buttons) that connect directly to the 000 emergency services at these stations.
For residents of Roxby Downs, Victor Harbor, Bordertown, and Kadina, there will be no change to the current station opening times. In a positive adjustment, both Coober Pedy and Millicent will see an expansion in their counter service hours.
Parrott also noted the evolving nature of community interactions with the police, “The primary method of contact from the public to South Australia Police is by phone – not front counter attendance. People are familiar with calling Triple Zero or 131 444, and a large portion of the community now have mobile phones always with them,” he explained, indicating a decline in the need for in-person station visits for many types of inquiries and reporting.
While face-to-face services at these stations will still be available during the new operating times, SAPOL encourages the public to utilise their online services, which can handle various non-emergency interactions and reporting.
This restructuring of resource allocation and hours is intended to match public demand more accurately and promote a visible and responsive police presence throughout the region, ultimately enhancing community safety and service efficiency.
For more information visit: www.police.sa.gov.au
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