New $19m Dalby Police Station unveiled at ceremony paying tribute to Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow

Dalby’s upgraded $19m police station is expected drastically improve policing capabilities in the region providing space for more that 60 operational staff while also permanently paying tribute to two lives lost in the line of duty.

The new Dalby Police Facility has officially opened its doors following a $19m upgrade.

The station upgrade accommodates 60 operational staff, including officers for the Western Downs Patrol Group Criminal Investigation Branch, Child Protection and Investigation Unit, Highway Patrol, state-of-the-art Scenes of Crime section with investigative laboratory, training capacity, major incident room and upgraded watch-house facilities.

The station also features a memorial honouring fallen police officers Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow, who were murdered in the line of duty on December 12, 2022.

A tribute to Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold at the refurbished Dalby Police Station.

Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow had completed their first year of policing at Dalby Station and remained close friends with many officers and staff from the area.

“Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow’s deaths profoundly impacted the entire community, and their loss is still felt around the state. This memorial commemorates their memory and I thank all those in making it happen,” Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.

Police Minister Mark Ryan echoed this.

“Honouring Rachel and Matt with this dedicated memorial is critical for our community as we keep our commitment to their families and colleagues to never ever forget their service and sacrifice,” he said.

Minister Mark Ryan speaks at the Dalby police station opening.

Mr Ryan said the upgrades would boost the policing capability in the region.

“It is important for the Dalby Police Division to receive this upgrade, which boosts the policing capability in the region,” he said.

“The government has committed $300m across a five-year police infrastructure pipeline, and this station is just one of the many to receive an upgrade, continuing the commitment of keeping policing facilities at the highest standard.”

Mr Gollschewski said the upgraded facility would help local police better serve the needs of the community through modern and purpose-built facilities.

“Building capabilities and equipping police with important resources, will not only help them keep the community safe, but help shape the next generation of policing,” he said.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers agreed.

“The rebuild of Dalby station has been a project I’ve driven since I worked in the region and identified the previous station had outlived its usefulness and become a hazard to the police working there,” he said

“The new design is fit for purpose due to input from frontline police who understand the efficiencies that come from workflow when dealing with people in custody and victims of crime who need police assistance.

“The watch-house will also assist in providing a greater level of surveillance for people in our care and the staff amenities have been upgraded to a modern standard.”