SAPOL standardizes opening hours at regional police stations in South Australia

South Australia Police (SAPOL) will standardize opening hours at 14 regional police stations, ending 24/7 service at Berri, Port Pirie, and Mount Gambier. New hours will be 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 3:30pm on weekends, starting December 23. SAPOL aims to increase police presence on the streets by reallocating officers from administrative duties. Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott stated that most residents contact police by phone, and the changes will not affect response times in these areas. Some local business owners and officials express concern that reduced services could harm regional communities. However, SAPOL maintains that the changes will enhance frontline policing and that certain stations will see increased hours.