Today Police Minister Hon. Stuart Nash and Police Commissioner Mike Bush opened the new Patrol Base for Christchurch International Airport Police and Dog Kennel Facility based at Christchurch Airport.
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price says it was a privilege to have the Minister and Commissioner at the official opening, showing what an important milestone the new facility is.
“Christchurch International Airport is the gateway for many tourists coming to the South Island so it’s important we have a visible presence there,” he says. “This will help make our visitors and other travellers feel safe as well as deterring those who may attempt to commit crimes.”
The new facility also acts as a dog kennel for Canterbury Police’s Dog Section.
“We wanted to move the Dog Section out of the central city environment. The new build had police dog welfare and care at the centre of the design.”
The new facility was designed and built by Calder Stewart who have delivered the world class facility ahead of schedule and under budget.
“I’m very grateful to Calder Stewart for their work on this facility,” says John. “We had given them quite tight timeframes to start with and I’m very impressed with their commitment to this.
“Police dogs are an important asset which contribute significantly to our operational effectiveness so it is important we have appropriate facilities for them.
“Having the combined facilities at the Christchurch Airport is important because it allows us to put on a united front with our key partners such as Christchurch International Airport, Customs, Immigration and Aviation Security. Together we are all committed to border security and work hard to keep our communities and visitors safe.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
