The much-awaited announcement of the re-engineering of the NSW Police Force is expected to be made in the coming weeks, and work is being done to examine the crime statistics out of Dubbo’s eastern neighbour.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller was asked about the potential for a 24/7 station in the town during a recent estimates hearing, and while he didn’t entirely rule it out he said the evidence would need to be compelling to make it happen.

“We will always look at it but it does come down to the evidence and if the evidence is there and we need to make it 24/7 then I will have to find additional resources for Wellington,” he said.

“I would never turn a blind eye to what the community wants and what they need but it has to be evidence based. Otherwise I would have to double the police force to have a 24/7 response everywhere.

“But one of the great challenges for me is how we get a flexible workforce so if the jail does increase the workforce quickly, I can move quickly.”

NSW Police Minister Troy Grant said a decision on any additional resourcing for Wellington would be made as part of the re-engineering process, currently being overseen by Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys and Western Region commander Geoff McKechnie.

“”I know Gary and Geoff are reviewing the facts and figures, and I’m sure there’s a need for additional resources in Wellington,” Mr Grant said.

“But people need to understand the difference between having 24-hour policing and having a 24/7 police station.

“To staff a 24/7 station and have its doors open all day and night requires 34 police. Does Wellington require 34 police?

“But to have 24-hour policing is different, so people need to define what they are asking for in that regard.

“With 24-hour policing you still have the officers on all day and night but the station isn’t open for the entire period.”