It’s a win for the police and it’s a win for the community - a win, win.

Such was the comment from local police in describing the new Parkes Police Station which will be brought into operation this Friday.

The Champion Post received a guided tour of the impressive building yesterday and to describe it as state of the art would be very fitting.

Security is a high priority, for both police and visitors, and local officers will be blessed with plenty of room in which to operate.

There are special Intruder and Duress alarms throughout the large complex in case of emergency situations, and CCTV cameras abound.

Members of the public will access the station through automatic doors into a large reception-foyer area which can be accessed 24 hours a day.

Police will be positioned behind a secure wall which will enable them to view everyone who enters.

There are several private interview areas, as well as a special victims room.

On the bottom floor are also the muster rooms, police work stations, shift supervisors as well as the Highway Patrol.

The Charge area is a specially secure section  in which no firearms are permitted.

The area includes the five cells (three single, and two three person cells), four secure docks to hold offenders, electronic interview rooms, breath analysis, finger print, DNA and photographic areas.

There is allowance to escort prisoners directly into the adjacent Parkes Court House without leaving the building.

The Van Dock also enables prisoners to be escorted from the police vans directly into the charge area.

The former heritage listed police station in Currajong Street has also been included into the complex, being utilised by the police prosecutor, brief handling and court processes.

Upstairs includes the detectives, Crime Unit and administration.

Also featured are a fitness centre, room with a one-way mirror for identification parade, and training room.

As well, there is a lift!

Historical photos are featured throughout the building which will now house all of the police operations under one roof - rather than from a multitude of different venues.

Many local tradespeople played a prominent role in the construction of the building and are featured on these pages.

NOTE: While police will take up duties in the new station this Friday, an official opening will not take place until next February - the first opportunity available to get the Police Commissioner, Police Minister and local State MP together.

All photographs taken by Bill Jayet.