Paulatuk (Mar 14/05) - The days of cramped quarters, shared cells and no privacy at the Paulatuk RCMP detachment will soon be over.

After three years of planning, and six months of construction, a brand new 2,800 square foot detachment is set to replace the aged trailer that housed the one-person station.

"(It was so small) you had to go outside to change your mind," joked RCMP Staff Sgt. Don Halina.

Single-staffed detachments are a thing of the past now that RCMP health and safety regulations require at least two officers per station.

Originally scheduled to open March 15, the $1.5 million building, equipped with three cells, a secure loading bay, interview room, public area, office and bathroom, and separate living quarters still awaits some security features, wiring, phones and computers.

. "Probably around the 23rd, 24th is when it will be fully usable," said Const. Kevin Charles, currently on relief duty in Paulatuk.

The official opening is scheduled for July.

Victims of a crime will be able to speak to an officer privately in an interview room and not in front of a crowd, Halina said.

"People won't have to be afraid to talk."