By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
PROTECTIVE screens have finally been installed at the Endeavour Hills police station more than a year after the fatal shooting of Numan Haider.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne visited the station on Wednesday to speak with Senior Sergeant Phillip Byrne about the new security measures.
Sen Sgt Byrne last week told Star News his team was pleased with the screens, also set up at Narre Warren and Cranbourne stations, which he noted were a positive for both the officers and the community.
On 23 September 2014, Haider allegedly stabbed two police officers outside the station and was fatally shot.
The incident is being investigated by the State Coroner.
Anthony Byrne, also the deputy chairman of Parliament’s Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, said he was extremely concerned with the threat posed to local police in recent times.
As well as last year’s shooting outside the station, counter-terrorism raids were carried out in Casey in April just before Anzac Day, resulting in several arrests.
“I acknowledge the brave men and women of the police forces and the work they do to keep our community safe,” Mr Byrne said.
“We need to have an ongoing discussion about what we need to do to continue to protect our police officers.
“In light of the series of terrorist attacks in Paris on the weekend it is vital our police officers are protected and have what they required to keep our local community safe and secure.”
In September this year, Police Association Victoria secretary Ron Iddles said the screens “should have been done months ago”.
“The long period of time it’s taking to have protective screens installed is having an adverse effect on morale among officers in Casey,” he said.
