Turangi Police Station to open longer

Longer opening hours for the Turangi Police station is now possible thanks to non-sworn officer Kathy Smallman.

During a public meeting last year community members raised concerns about the Turangi Police Station having to be closed some days due to lack of staff.

With only one front counter staff on duty there was no cover for lunches and sick days when all the officers were also on duty.

Senior Sergeant Tere Morunga said the community had a genuine concern and he is pleased he has been able to find a solution.

‘‘I had been working away on the back burner for a while,’’ he said.

‘‘We are now able to have Kathy here to cover whenever our front counter staff are not here.

‘‘This means we can keep the front doors open longer and during breaks and sick days.’’

Smallman said she put her name forward for the role when she heard the station needed some help.

‘‘I volunteered but they said it was not a volunteer position so I was given a job,’’ she said.

‘‘I thought it was a good way to help my community and assist police.’’

Morunga said the addition of the new staff member was not the only positive change.

The telephone outside used to contact police after hours has been replaced with a push button system making things easier and faster for people needing to speak to police.

Pressing the call button will automatically put people in contact with Bay Of Plenty Police who will be able to offer assistance.

Councillor Zane Cozens organised the public meeting between police and community members are is happy there has been progress.

‘‘It’s very heartening to see a service upgrade at the Turangi Station,’’ he said.

‘‘It is something that has been requested by our people for some time so this step will be appreciated and welcomed by the wider community.

‘‘The new Community Board has also been an avid supporter of these upgrades and it will continue to work with Police in other areas,’’ he said.

‘‘This includes the installation of CCTV in strategic positions for example and continue to strengthen overall communication between all parties’’