Police Minister Wade Noonan officially opened Sale’s new $18.2 million police station today.

Mr Noonan said the new station will accommodate 73 police officers with room to expand, and will support police as they respond to crime and protect residents in the Sale district.

The station houses a number of specialised units, including the Criminal Investigation Unit, a Highway Patrol Unit, a Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Unit.

Mr Noonan praised local police for their efforts to address issues affecting the community, including family violence, burglary and theft from motor vehicle offences, antisocial behaviour around licensed premises, and the use of ice and other illicit drugs.

The Victorian Government is dedicated to ensuring country police have the required resources and the same technology as their city colleagues to help them carry out their duties safely.

During a visit to the former Sale police station last year, Mr Noonan saw firsthand that the safety of country police was being compromised with outdated radio systems.

Following this, the government committed $11.5 million to upgrade the outdated analogue regional police radio equipment, to a secure encrypted digital network with new digital radios and to better support country police.

The new radio system will include digital, in-car mobile and portable radios with a secure and encrypted network.

The updated system will help lock out the public and criminals from police conversations, keeping all police safer.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP

“This new station will provide police officers with a modern base from which to work and will increase police capacity to respond to crime in the area and keep the community safe.”

“The station will house a number of specialised units, which will assist police officers in tackling a range issues that affect the community, including family violence and keeping drugs off our streets.”

“The Victorian Government is proud to have delivered this new station to ensure Victoria Police have the best resources to protect residents in the Sale district.”