Why do we need a new police station?

Safety Standards

Safety Standards and requirements have been updated since our current public safety structure was renovated in 1986, now it has deficiencies of health, security, safety, and accessibility.

Accessibility

People with mobility concerns use a separate entrance to enter the building, and with no elevator, are excluded from the Chief’s and other offices.

Flooding

Frequent flooding threatens the health, also electrical, and emergency systems. Water and mold enter the booking area, dog holding pens, electrical room, and unventilated locker rooms where floor mats must be used to keep officers’ feet dry.

Emergency Communications

Besides a full power panel, the electrical room houses water pipes, creating a potential fire hazard and loss of dispatch communications. Two outdated communication systems—one from the 1980s, one a used 2000s system—handle EMT, fire, and police calls 24/7, but repair parts can only be found on eBay.

Safety Threats to Officers and Detainees

 Without a sally port, officers must park outside and walk detainees through areas where stored items become potential weapons. They use a breathalyzer outside a secured detention area, the only possible location. State inspectors annually flag deficiencies, including suicide and choking hazards, in the holding area as cells are grandfathered under obsolete 1980s standards.

Lack of Private Interview Rooms Used with Victims of Crime

Just off the lobby, the conference room has no ventilation or soundproofing, so you can clearly hear sounds from outside; here, police meet members of the public and interview persons of interest.

Inadequate Police Training and Emergency Operations Area

Officers must travel elsewhere for training as there is no large space for the entire department to meet or train, nor to assemble with state police, National Seashore, etc., during events such as July 4 and Carnival.

Inadequate Evidence Storage and Work Areas

Paper evidence is stored in the full attic. Physical evidence must be stored in a secured outdoor trailer. Locker rooms are so small, officers must hang damp bullet-proof vests to dry over the corners of lockers. Offices double as storage areas for hug-a-bears, spare outerwear, radio parts, and parking tickets. Arms and ammunition are stored in a crammed-locked casket elevator. Parking is hazardous to police vehicles, neighbors, and pedestrians.

Show All Answers

1. Why do we need a new police station?
2. What are the benefits of the new station?
3. How sustainable and “Green” is the new building?
4. What are the cost and tax impacts?
5. Why this location?
6. Why this size?
7. Why this design?
8. What's inside and why?
9. What's the timeline?