Moving experience

PAKENHAM’S police are a force on the move.
The police, Country Fire Authority and State Emergency Service are preparing to move into the new emergency services complex.
Police will move from their present headquarters in James Street to the $11 million centre next week.
The force’s Senior Sergeant Trevor Teer is eagerly anticipating the move and believes it will be of great benefit to the whole community when all three services are based on the one site.
Pakenham ambulance is staying put in Main Street.
Sen Sgt Teer saidpresent staff numbers at the station were the highest they had ever been, with five detectives, two senior sergeants, six sergeants, 19 senior constables and 30 constables operating out of the station.
“We also have nine Traffic Management Unit members, five detectives and one inspector,” Sen Sgt Teer said.
The new $11 million complex is located near the BP service station on the western entrance to town.
Building on the centre began in August 2005 and was first scheduled to open in June this year. But delays have resulted in the 6 December opening date.
The complex also has other facilities, including a disaster plan room and a multipurpose room for seminars, training and communications.
There are also longterm plans for a magistrates court as the local population continues to grow.
Police are planning an “end of era” celebration early next year.