Police pulling together on crime

By Kelly Yates
VICTORIA Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland dropped into the Narre Warren Police Station yesterday to celebrate the merger of the Cranbourne and Narre Warren Criminal Investigation Units into the Casey Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU).
Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Humphries said both units were now together under the same roof after recent renovation works.
“They’ve always been split and had two separate offices yet recently it was decided to bring them together and operate as the Casey CIU,” Det Sen Sgt Humphries said.
Two Detective Senior Sergeants, four Detective Sergeants, 17 Detectives, and the Tactical Intelligence Operatives will be based at the station, with the Casey Response Unit and the crime desk also positioned there.
Casey Inspector Andrew Miles said the amalgamation meant that police had the ability to undertake larger, more effective operations previously not possible with two fragmented CIUs. Det Sen Sgt Humphries said the local police were pleased with the new open-plan office.
“It will enable us to create a united force to help combat the crime in Casey,” he said.
The Chief Commissioner got a tour of the offices and its refurbishment works, costing around $140,000.
“We’re excited that the Chief Commissioner made the time to come and officially open the new building,” Det Sen Sgt Humphries said.