The state-of-the-art Southern Highlands Police Station in Moss Vale is complete and expected to open for business on May 28.

The official handover of the premises to Hume Police District Superintendent Michael Rowan occurred on May 25.

Superintendent Rowan described the new building as offering “the best you can get in technology at this point in time.”

“It has also been developed so the building and design can actually expand in the future,” he said.

The building comes complete with designated areas for highway patrol, detectives, a charge counter, holding docks for prisoners, five cells, meeting rooms and a task force room for serious crimes that get strike forced.

There is also a conference room and training room that can become one large area if needed.

Superintendent Rowan said training was ongoing for police.

“Legislation and methodology changes - mandatory training is required each year,” he said.

A special feature of the design maintains a link to the past police station on the site. Sandstone from the old station forms a special feature at the entrance to the new building.

Meanwhile, a memorial garden at the side of the new premises includes the planting of roses taken from the Bowral station.

Superintendent Rowan said ultimately 65 police officers from various units would operate out of the new Moss Vale premises.

He said this would include officers from various sections of the force such as uniformed police, crime prevention officers, highway patrol, education officers, proactive crime teams and detectives.

“While the station is new, the police are still our police,” he said.

“In my dealing with the public the police here have a good rapport [with the public] and are well respected.”

While the new station will be open for business from may 28, the move will be a gradual process for some officers.

In particular, the highway patrol will continue to operate out of the Mittagong police station in the short term.

Superintendent Rowan said the Bowral station would also continue to operate for a few months, although in a limited capacity. 

He said they would trial putting an officer at the Bowral station on Saturdays from 8am to 4pm for minor, run of the mill things such as shooters licence renewals.

“All other matters from throughout the Southern Highlands will be serviced here,” he said.