News Summary
El Centro is set to open its new Police Department headquarters in December, with the project currently 90% complete. The $49.6 million facility, funded by Measure P, allows for significant enhancements, including a Real Time Crime Center and new community rooms. Despite construction delays pushing the timeline to April, improvements in operational continuity have been maintained. The design aims at better law enforcement and community engagement, ensuring public safety for decades to come.
El Centro is set to welcome its new Police Department headquarters, which is currently 90% complete and scheduled to open in December 2023. This opening comes after a delay from the initial timeline of October. The groundbreaking facility, which carries a price tag of $49.6 million, is financed through Measure P, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters specifically for public safety initiatives.
As the project nears completion, El Centro’s City Council has approved 15 change orders totaling $2.57 million, along with an additional $2.5 million allocated for various enhancements. These modifications will include improvements such as shaded parking and advanced audio/visual systems, all aimed at creating a more functional and sustainable facility for the community.
The overall timeline for the project has shifted, with its completion now expected by April 2026, extending from the previously planned March 2026 deadline. The Public Works Director and City Engineer, Abraham Campos, has indicated that contractors are currently dedicated to finishing interior designs, landscaping, and upgrading communication systems to ensure that the facility is fully equipped when it opens.
Significant Features of the New Headquarters
The new police headquarters is designed with several modern amenities aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities and community engagement. Key features will include:
- A dedicated property retrieval area
- New interview rooms designed specifically for victim support
- A Real Time Crime Center to improve response times
- A Drones as First Responders program
- A 2,146-square-foot multipurpose community room that can accommodate up to 150 individuals
Operational Continuity Amid Construction
Acting Police Chief Kelly Brown noted that minor operational challenges have arisen during the construction period; however, police services continue uninterrupted. The close cooperation between city officials and construction teams has been essential for adhering to the project’s scope and timeline.
Enhancing Community Infrastructure
Alongside the police headquarters, modifications to the surrounding streets are set to take place. Plans include repaving Main Street and converting 11th Street into a northbound one-way road. These infrastructural changes are intended to facilitate better access to the new facility and improve traffic flow in the area. The primary entrance to the headquarters will also be relocated to the south side of the building, off Main Street, for increased accessibility.
A Long-Term Vision for Public Safety
The development of the new police headquarters is one of the largest investments in public safety that El Centro has undertaken in recent years. The forward-thinking design of the building aims to serve the city’s law enforcement needs for the next 75 years, and represents decades of careful planning and community commitment to improving local safety services.
Acting Police Chief Kelly Brown expressed appreciation for the ongoing community support for the project, emphasizing that it would not have been possible without approval from Measure P. The new facility is expected to not only bolster police operations but also foster a stronger relationship between law enforcement and the community, setting a foundation for enhanced public safety for generations to come.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
