News Summary
The new Police Department headquarters in El Centro is nearing completion, with an opening scheduled for December. The project, funded by Measure P, has faced minor delays but is set to enhance public safety infrastructure, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for improved law enforcement and community interaction.
El Centro – The new Police Department headquarters in El Centro is slated to open in December 2023, with construction currently at 90% completion. The project, initially anticipated to be completed by October, has experienced minor delays, pushing the overall completion timeline from March 2026 to April 2026. This significant facility, valued at $49.6 million, is funded through Measure P, which is a voter-approved half-cent sales tax intended to enhance public safety infrastructure in the city.
According to Public Works Director and City Engineer Abraham Campos, contractors are presently focused on the interior finishes, site improvements, and the installation of communication systems in the new headquarters. Acting Police Chief Kelly Brown noted that, despite some operational challenges during construction, police services in the city have continued without interruption. The successful coordination between city staff and contractors has been essential to keep the project within its scope and timeline.
As part of the ongoing development, the El Centro City Council has approved 15 change orders totaling $2.57 million and an additional $2.5 million aimed at various enhancements. These changes include the addition of shaded parking areas, advanced audio/visual systems, and updated signage, which are expected to yield long-term savings for the city.
The new headquarters promises state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance police operations and community interaction. Among its features will be a dedicated property retrieval area, new interview rooms specifically for victims, a Real Time Crime Center, and a Drones as First Responders program. Furthermore, the facility will include a versatile 2,146-square-foot multipurpose community room with a capacity to accommodate up to 150 individuals.
In addition to the main building, changes to the surrounding infrastructure are also planned. These will include repaving Main Street and narrowing 11th Street to operate as a one-way northbound route. Importantly, the main entrance to the new headquarters will be relocated to the south side of the building, off Main Street, enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors.
Chief Brown expressed appreciation for the community’s unwavering support throughout the project, emphasizing the role of Measure P in making the new headquarters a reality. This building is designed not only to serve the El Centro community effectively now but also to remain functional for the next 75 years, reflecting decades of planning and commitment to public safety.
The Police Department’s new headquarters is a landmark initiative for El Centro, symbolizing a robust investment in the city’s future safety and infrastructure. As it nears completion, it stands as a testament to collaborative efforts between the local government and the community, poised to enhance law enforcement capabilities significantly and create a safer environment for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- Calexico Chronicle: Construction of New ECPD Headquarters Nears Finish Line
- IV Press: New ECPD Station a Long Time Coming, Set for December Opening
- Fox 5 San Diego: Bodycam Video Shows Fatal Police Shooting of Unarmed 22-Year-Old Man in El Centro
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Newspaper Archive: Historical News Articles
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