Police station shuts doors

AN influx of prisoners led to the doors of the Grafton Police Station being closed for brief periods over the weekend, according to the NSW Police Association.

Association Northern Region executive member Tony King said the station’s front doors were locked by police on Sunday night for a period.

“Due to a number of prisoners being in custody and the lack of additional staff, police followed protocols and closed the front doors for a period of time,” he said.

However, Coffs-Clarence Police Commander Mark Holahan said the station was not closed.

He said there were police in the building answering phones, the front counter was manned and a car was on duty responding to calls.

“It is not our policy to close stations,” he said.

He said there was an impact on resources because a number of people were in custody and needed supervision.

The regular staffing levels were in place, but one officer called in sick and another was called in as a replacement.

“At no time was the safety of the Grafton community at stake,” he said.

“We can still move large numbers of police into jobs at short notice if we need it.”

He said any increase in staff numbers would be welcome, but he had to deal with the resources he was given.

“We have the capacity to recall staff,” he said.