The city of Newton has a new police station, but it's not up and running just yet. This week, staff members are moving in and putting things in order.

The facility at 103 Banks Street is actually a remodeled addition of the old Social Security office.

Newton police chief, Harvey Curry, said he has waited his entire eight year term for a much needed new police station.

"And those that have visited the old police department and now visit this one, they see that it was long overdue," said Curry. "And this facility is much better and I'm glad we were able to acquire this."

Curry said the station will not hold prisoners like the old one. Suspects will be processed at the new station, but those that need to be held will go to Decatur. He said not holding prisoners will free up a lot of space and work time.

"It's been crowded, plus we have more office space over here now than we did when we were still over at the old location," Curry said.

In addition to offices, the new station houses a city municipal courtroom.
Curry said taxpayers can see how their money is put to work, because their tax dollars will help pay the $4,500 a month lease to operate out of the new facility.

"The mayor and the board of aldermen, I would like to thank for making this happen, for approving this so we can move forward with it," Curry said.

Curry said, hopefully by Monday, the new police department will be in full operation.