Multi million dollar CHOGM command centre unveiled

A new multi million dollar state-of-the-art police command centre built for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting has been unveiled today at Maylands.

WA Police will command its entire security operation for CHOGM from the facility.
It will house 100 personnel and is fitted out with high tech communication facilities and CCTV. The Police Minister Rob Johnson says he is confident WA Police are ready for CHOGM.

“I think what we are left with here is probably the best facility in the whole of Australia at this moment in time in relation to such a major event such as CHOGM, and [we] have the benefit in WA of retaining this facility for major events that happen, any crisis that takes place,” he said.

The Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan also attended the unveiling and was forced to defend police actions after members of a protest group claimed officers used heavy-handed tactics in the lead up to CHOGM.

Earlier this week police raided the homes of three members of the CHOGM Action Group and confiscated personal property.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of spray painting the word ‘protest’ on public property.

The Commissioner says he is not surprised by the claims.

“This is currently a live investigation so I can’t comment on the elements of it but we will get this from time to time,” he said.

“We’re investigating unlawful activity; we have the power to do it.

“We will continue to do it and we know there will be complaints.”

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-14/chogm-command-centre-unveiled/3572216?section=wa