Nearly half of the 135 police stations across Northern Ireland could eventually be closed, it emerged tonight.
Millions of pounds have also been budgeted for other bases to be built as part of a massive five-year overhaul.
The strategy is to be outlined by senior PSNI officers on Friday. Police chiefs are under pressure to intensify the war on crime by putting more men and women on the streets.
A policing source confirmed tonight: "A list of just over 60 stations has been drawn up for a viability review and potential closure during the period up until 2010."
All 29 district commanders were consulted in a year-long bid to identify bases that may be surplus to requirements. Their assessments have been studied and approved by Chief Constable Hugh Orde and his top advisers.
A second strand to the plans involve significant investment in a number of new stations. It is understood stations Omagh, Co Tyrone and Musgrave Street in Belfast city centre have been earmarked. Major refurbishment would take place at other bases, including Ballycastle, Co Antrim.