South Australia Police's Mounted Operations Unit, Dog Operations Unit and the Band of the South Australia Police have officially opened the doors to their new purpose-built facility at Gepps Cross, bringing together tradition, operational capability and modern design in one site.
The state-of-the-art facility was officially opened today by Minister for Police Blair Boyer and Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens.
The three units were previously based at Thebarton Police Barracks, where they had operated since 1917. Elements of that history have been carried through into the design of the new Gepps Cross facility, acknowledging more than a century of service while delivering modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure.
Commissioner Stevens said the new site significantly improves working conditions for staff while prioritising animal welfare and operational efficiency.
"The Mounted Operations facilities include 32 stables, paddocks and an undercover sand arena, all designed to support the health and wellbeing of our horses," Commissioner Stevens said.
"The stables have been designed with both indoor and outdoor areas, natural ventilation and materials that reduce concussion, providing better temperature control and safer conditions for the horses."
The Dog Operations Unit has also moved into purpose-built facilities at Gepps Cross, supporting its critical role in frontline policing.
"For more than 50 years, police dogs have played an important role in helping keep South Australians safe.
"The unit operates 24/7 and includes general purpose and detector dog teams that assist with locating suspects, detecting illicit substances, explosives, firearms and missing persons," Commissioner Stevens said.
The new Dog Operations facilities include 15 kennels, a fenced grass training area and indoor specialist training spaces. Police dogs are housed with their handlers and can be deployed from anywhere across the state when required.
Also sharing the space, is Australia's oldest police band, formed in 1884.
Commissioner Stevens said the new facilities support the South Australia Police Band's extensive performance schedule and community engagement work.
"The Band's new home includes group and solo practice rooms, a full-band rehearsal space, an undercover loading dock and secure instrument storage," he said.
"The suburban location also brings the Band closer to the community and supports its ongoing work with schools, including on-site high school workshops planned later this year."
The Gepps Cross site covers a 1.9-kilometre perimeter and includes extensive landscaping, with more than 14,000 plants to be established once construction is completed.
