Alarm over SA’s country police stations lacking basic security measures to protect officers and community

The new Police Association president has expressed concern over SA’s ageing, country stations labelling the security risks ‘unacceptable’.

Police stations in regional South Australia are grappling with “unacceptable levels of security” as some facilities lack crucial technology such as video surveillance, raising concerns about officer and community safety.

Several country stations, which police asked not to be identified, do not have basic security measures like CCTV, intercom systems, secure parking and gates, and window protection or roller shutters.

Some officers at smaller stations have been forced to install cameras using their own money, according to the Police Association of South Australia.

The lagging security at Port Wakefield Police Station left officers and locals in a vulnerable position during an incident last September, when three offenders slashed all four tyres of a police car before going to rob a nearby service station. The offenders are yet to be arrested and police investigations are ongoing.

The tyre slashing incident was not captured on CCTV and the offenders, one armed with a crowbar, went on to tie up OTR staff with cable ties before stealing cash and cigarettes.

An SA Police spokesman conceded that smaller police stations do not have surveillance technology.

“Not all police stations have installed CCTV on every aspect of the police station buildings or premises,” the SAPOL spokesman said.

“Smaller country police stations are regularly assessed as to the need for upgraded security where risks are identified.”

CCTV of Port Wakefield robbery suspect Picture: SA Police

CCTV of Port Wakefield robbery suspect Picture: SA Police

Police Association president Wade Burns said during another incident in April, an intruder pointed a fake gun at a country police station window that was unprotected by security shutters.

SA Police have apprehended the alleged offender but the incident was only detected through a CCTV system officers had installed using their own money.

“There’s just unacceptable levels of security risks at some of our country stations,” Mr Burns said.

Wade Burns, newly elected deputy president of the Police Association said the levels of security risks at some country police stations is ‘unacceptable’. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“It’s just critical that we have incentives to both attract and retain police officers in country locations. I think we also have to remember that even when fully-resourced, there are many unique issues associated with policing in rural and remote communities.

“We just can’t underestimate the importance of police officers who possess local knowledge and policing skills … it is a vital and underrated aspect of protecting rural communities and businesses.”

Mr Burns said he planned to visit country stations to assess the conditions.

An SA Police spokesman said some older stations did need improvements.

“SAPOL accepts that due to the volume of police premises across the state some older premises may be the subject of additional capital works, repairs and ongoing maintenance,” he said.

“This can be challenging in country and remote locations and where some buildings are heritage listed.”

The spokesman said SA Police conducted regular reviews of all premises and their security.

“These standardised reviews are mandated across all of government to be conducted monthly, quarterly, six monthly and on an annual basis,” he said.

“In addition to these processes, incidents and identified hazards may trigger reviews of police security of premises depending on the severity of an incident.”

The state government said it had allocated $18 million to improving police presence and upgrading stations in rural areas.

“The government is investing in our regions to equip officers with the resources they need to keep South Australians safe,” a spokesman said.

“This includes a State Budget commitment to deliver a new purpose-built police station in Naracoorte to support policing operations and safety across the South East.

“The $18 million investment will provide improved cell facilities, storage and staff amenities with better access and service delivery for the community.”

Originally published as Alarm over SA’s country police stations lacking basic security measures to protect officers and community