QUESTIONS about how the new Forrestfield police station operates 24/7 from 8am to 7pm on weekdays and how many officers worked at the station before and after the new station opened have been raised with WA Police.

Police Minister Reece Whitby announced the new station in a July 2 media statement, reported in New 24/7 Forrestfield police station opened (Echo News, July 11) and said the new building capacity nearly tripled the current number of sworn officers stationed at Forrestfield.

Meanwhile, Premier Roger Cook celebrated the news on a July 5 Facebook post.

“The station will operate 24/7 and has nearly tripled the number of local police officers,” he said.

However, in a video of the press conference where the new station was announced, recorded by WA Media Network (WAMN) News, Mr Whitby said there were 36 officers stationed at the previous 30-year-old Forrestfield station.

“Today, we’re seeing 36 officers in the new police station with more room than they need and that’s a deliberate decision because we want to build for tomorrow.”

A WA Police spokesperson confirmed there had been no tripling of staff or patrol resources.

“While the new facility has been designed to support future growth, able to accommodate up to 100 officers, this figure does not reflect current staffing levels.

Mr Whitby said the station was open 24/7 to ensure the police were as effective as they could be.

“Having that 24/7 operational capacity at Forrestfield means that officers through the night can be on the roads, in our neighbourhoods, in your street, rather than tied to a desk at the police station.

“There are those hours between 8am and 7pm every weeknight where people can come here and raise issues.

“A good police station is, in many ways, an empty police station because it means all your officers are out in the community doing the work.”

A WA Police spokesperson said the front counter handled non-urgent matters such as reporting lost property, making general inquiries and submitting documents.

“Officers are based at the station and are available to respond to emergencies at any time,” the spokesperson said.

“Clarifying this distinction is important to ensure the community understands how local policing services are structured and delivered.”