At present, overnight police cover for the entire district is based at Banbridge Police Station at Castlewellan Road.
However, Upper Bann MP David Simpson has claimed that under new plans there will be no response vehicles based in Banbridge – with the exception of Saturday evenings – and instead officers based in Lurgan, Armagh and Newry will respond to incidents.
The proposal has prompted the DUP member to set up a meeting with the Area Commander, Chief Inspector Ken Mawhinney, on Friday, with party colleague Lagan Valley MP Jeffery Donaldson and South Down MLA Jim Wells in attendance.
Mr Simpson told the Leader that he was "deeply concerned" by the plans, especially in light of dissident republican activity over the past few months, including the murder of Banbridge PSNI Constable Stephen Carroll in Craigavon earlier this year.
He said, "We've already seen the closure of Gilford Police Station and now we could find shorter working hours at Banbridge. At this meeting I want an explanation from the PSNI as to how this could be justified."
He continued, "Do they believe that the crime rate for the area has come down significantly that it enables overnight police cover from midnight onwards to come from Lurgan, Armagh and Newry?"
The MLA went on to say that he expected the proposal was most probably the result of "budgetary restrictions" but added that "public expectation of the PSNI remains high."
"At the meeting I will be asking the PSNI to reconsider this proposal," he said.
In response to Mr Simpson's claims a police spokesman told the Leader, "As with any public service organisation the PSNI has a responsibility to operate as cost effectively as possible and demonstrate best practice by providing value for money.
"Resources are allocated taking into account the individual policing needs of an area and the level of resources available is kept under regular review to gauge how officers, and buildings, can be best utilised."
The spokesman continued, "The PSNI has been open and frank in its discussion about current financial pressures and the need to deliver a fit for purpose, effective and efficient policing service against a backdrop of fiscal prudence.
"Extensive discussion and consultation regarding restructuring in E District has been ongoing. The priority for the PSNI remains constant – that of providing a first class, responsive and flexible police service to the whole community."