Queenstown Police Station is the largest police station in the Otago Lakes Central Area which is one of three policing areas in the Southern District of the New Zealand Police. The Otago Lakes Central Area headquarters has returned to Queenstown Police Station after a period at Alexandra Police Station. The area of responsibility covered by the Queenstown Police extends from Kingston in the south, to the Crown Range summit in the north, and from Glenorchy and its environs in the west, to the Roaring Meg power station in the Kawarau Gorge in the east.
History
The police station site has been used since gold was found nearby in Arrowtown and on the banks of the Shotover River in 1862. The adjacent historic Court House was built between 1875 and 1877 after operating out of tents. The police station is at 11 Camp Street, and Queenstown was known as 'the Camp'.
The station opened in November 1862. By March 1863 more than 1000 people lived in the town and the police force consisted of an Officer, a Foot Sergeant, a Mounted Constable, eight Foot Constables, a Detective and four horses. There were also police officers at Arrowtown (7), Frankton (1), Arthurs Point (2) and Maori Point (1). The Gold Escort was distinct from the police; contracted to Cobb and Co. Near Skippers and along the Shotover, branch escorts transported prisoners who were shackled to posts halfway along. The escort troopers were armed with carbines and swords. The Otago Daily Times reported that robberies were numerous and frequent drunkenness prevalent, with pick-pocketing complaints common. Claim jumping and stick-ups were also common. In 1867 there were police stations at Queenstown, Arrowtown, Frankton, Skipper's, Maori Point, Nevis, Nokomai and Cardrona.
Almost daily practically all the police staff at Queenstown Station travelled to Frankton where the first court sat in McBride Street. The courthouse later became the Presbyterian church.
First buildings
The original police station in Queenstown can be seen at the same site in early photographs with a stable, small cell, and house alongside. The stone bridge at the Hotop's Rise end of the station grounds was built by prisoners.
In July 1960, with the closure of the Arrowtown station, Constable Leo Daly took charge of Queenstown station and renovations were made. The police house was beside the station. By 1998 the police station included the former police house and was home to a senior sergeant, a detective sergeant and two detectives, fifteen constables, two sergeants, a community constable, a watchhouse keeper, and three non-sworn staff. The station was cramped with one room doubling as interview room, breath testing room, and exhibit office.
New building
The current police station was designed by architects Mason and Wales and opened on Friday 10 July 1998 by Hon. Jack Elder, minister of police. It was built by Amalgamated Builders at a cost of $2.3 million. The exterior is modelled to suit the historic precinct where it is situated. The land is owned by Māori tribe Ngāi Tahu.
Staff
The station is staffed over three rotating shifts by five sections each composed of one sergeant and one to three constables. In addition to this are: An Inspector in charge of the Otago Lakes Central Area, ("Area Commander"). A Senior Sergeant in charge of crime prevention for the Otago Lakes Central Area, ("Area Prevention Manager"). A Senior Sergeant, in charge of response for the Queenstown area, ("Response Manager") A prevention sergeant, also responsible for the coordination of family violence offending, at the rank of Sergeant. A community constable/prevention officer at the rank of Constable. A police prosecutor, at the rank of Sergeant, and a prosecutions assistant. A youth aid officer, at the rank of Constable. A Detective Senior Sergeant in charge of criminal investigations in the Otago Lakes Central Area. A Detective Sergeant and four Detectives. A field intelligence officer at the rank of Constable. A Senior Sergeant in charge of road policing for the Otago Lakes Central Area. A Sergeant in charge of road policing for the Queenstown area. Eight road policing Constables. An information technology engineer for the Otago Lakes Central Area. Three watch house officers and a station support officer. An area executive officer. A Sergeant and six Constables are based at the Queenstown Airport, working at the airport, on the roads near the airport, and when the airport closes continuing their shift in Queenstown. Airport staff numbers were increased slightly when night flights began at the airport.