Pyrmont Police Stations

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The evolution of law enforcement is reflected in our police stations - and their eventual redundancy.

A station was built in 1880 during a surge of public investment. It was surprisingly dainty: officers must have spent most of their time on patrol, returning only to escort victims and suspects on their way to hospitals or lock-ups.

By the 1940s the building was plainly inadequate. In 1942 the State acquired land between Edward and Bunn Streets and Edward Lane and created a police station that embodied the latest ideas on law enforcement, and workplace health and safety. A decorators’ magazine, Decoration and Glass, set the station in the context of prison reform, shorter sentences and better calibre police recruits. The new station “has been planned on modern efficient lines to meet all the demands and comfort for the staff of the station and the means for them to carry out their several duties.”

During another surge of private and public investment - urban renewal - this station gave way to apartments, and the police moved north to an attractive two-storey building at the corner of Scott and Harris Streets. This was displaced soon after 2004, by the first of several cafes. The Police Service had realised that police vans – mobile police stations – were much more effective than an officer tied to a desk. In any event there was more white collar than blue collar crime to police. Vans, bike patrols, CCTV and community liaison replaced foot patrols and the custody sergeant. These are controlled from Day Street Police Station in the City (phone 9265 6499).

Pyrmont Police Stations

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