Ipswich Police’s new $38 million three-storey complex at Ripley is now officially open ‘for business’.
Queensland Police says the new complex will serve as Ripley’s new local station as well as the district base for Ipswich Police.
It will house specialist units like the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU) and Forensic Crash Unit (FCU).
It will house more than 200 police officers and staff and has taken on 30 more police officers.
Acting Queensland Police Commissioner Brett Pointing says the new building shows police are meeting the evolving needs of the community.
“This new facility is more than a building – it’s a hub for community safety,” he says.
“The facility aligns general duties (with) specialist proactive and reactive units to co-ordinate and place police where they are most needed.”
IPSWICH POLICING BOOST
Ipswich District Officer Acting Superintendent Ben MacKenzie says the new facility features major incident rooms, Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) spaces, forensic science labs and a vehicle examination bay.
He says of the new officers: “The addition of these general duties officers at the Ripley Station will strengthen our presence in the area.”
The nearly 9000 square metre complex became operational in February and it covers communities from Toogoolawah in the north, Boonah in the south, Goodna in the east and through the Brisbane Valley to Rosewood in the west.
Police Minister says the new complex is needed for services to keep pace with the area’s population growth.
“This is a major policing hub for one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions,” he says.
“We’ve already sworn in 1600 new officers in less than 18 months, and facilities like Ripley ensure they have the resources and support.”
The state government says it is giving $290.3m to fund new or upgraded police facilities across Queensland.
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