Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP joined Commissioner Katarina Carroll today for the official opening of the Townsville Police Communications Centre.
The new centre services an area from Home Hill in the south to Cardwell Range in the north and across to Mount Isa in the west.
The new centre is part of a virtualised Tripe Zero (000) network whereupon the 13 police communications centres can work independently and in collaboration with each other, with CCTV and radio being able to be duplicated at other communication centres.
The new centre commenced operation on May 8 when staff transitioned from the Townsville Police Station into the new purpose-built facility.
The centre has a dedicated team of one officer in charge, 14 police officers and 33 staff members.
Minister Ryan said the opening of the new centre epitomised the continued commitment of the Queensland Police Service and the Queensland Government to keeping policing facilities at the highest standard.
"New facilities such as this are vital for police, Triple Zero (000) call-takers and radio dispatchers to provide excellent policing services to the community," Minister Ryan said.
"I know that Townsville police take pride in this new communications centre and will continue to deliver a quality service to their community."
Commissioner Carroll said the new centre would allow for greater visibility and command and control during times of critical incidents and natural disasters.
"This new purpose-built centre is a self-sufficient, resilient site that will continue to provide exceptional policing services to Queenslanders," Commissioner Carroll said.
"I recognise the work our police officers do here in Townsville to continually make this part of the state a safe and wonderful place."