The police area commander for Coastal Otago has met Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board members, after Mosgiel residents voiced their frustrations about being unable to contact local police.
Board chairwoman Sarah Nitis and deputy chairwoman Joy Davis met Inspector Jason Guthrie several weeks ago, after residents said police were hardly ever at the station during its advertised hours.
Some also had difficulty calling the station.
It was tricky for people wanting to report lost property, report a crime or apply for a firearms licence, Mrs Nitis said.
In a written report to the community board for this month's meeting Mrs Nitis said Insp Guthrie had assured her police were working hard to ensure the Mosgiel station was open between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday, but that was not always possible due to safety reasons.
Mrs Nitis said she was pleased with the outcome of her meeting with Insp Guthrie, and the police response to community concerns had been "positive and receptive''.
"I think they are quite genuinely keen to work with the community and that's all you can ask for. It's a 'watch this space'.''
If anyone called at the station and it was closed, police encouraged residents to use an intercom near the door which connected to the Southern Communications Centre.
Insp Guthrie acknowledged the phone service had been problematic and said work was under way to make it easier for the public to communicate with the police via a new communications system being rolled out nationally in May and June.
Insp Guthrie told the board members there was "always a local Mosgiel police presence'' in the area.
"It may just be that they are out and about in the community rather than being bound to the station.''
Nine fulltime staff work at the station.
Insp Guthrie said in situations where people's safety was challenged or compromised, they should not hesitate to call 111.
ELENA.MCPHEE @alliedpress.co.nz
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