Northern Territory Minister for Police Fire and Emergency Services Nicole Manison

New State-Of-The-Art Police Forensic Centre Completed

Victor P Taffa

Northern Territory Government is creating safer communities by putting 120 more Police on the beat and giving them the best resources possible.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Nicole Manison today toured the new state-of-the-art chemistry facility at the Police Forensic Science Branch which has officially opened at the Peter McAulay Centre.

“Territory Government is putting more Police on the beat and giving them the best resources possible.” Minister for Police Fire and Emergency Services Nicole Manison said.

“This new state-of-the-art unit provides Police with a future-proof, fit for purpose facility to undertake improved chemistry service for the Territory community.”

$2 Million project was delivered by local construction company Nightcliff Builders, supporting 150 jobs, including 18 apprentices and 6 indigenous employees.

Since 2001, the forensic chemistry unit had grown from 3 staff members to 12, and urgent expansion was needed.

Upgrading of the facility will now allow for more forensic testing to be conducted in Darwin, rather than being sent interstate saving money, receiving results faster and expediting court proceedings.

New facility will provide 2 accredited laboratories to cater for driver toxicology samples and testing for illicit drugs and miscellaneous chemicals. Previously these services were undertaken in the same laboratory.

Separation of these functions allows for increased efficiency, improved service delivery and the scope to develop new chemistry practices to better serve the Territory community.