NCJ Number
197252
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 69 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 104-106
Date Published
October 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the decision of remodeling or newly constructing a police facility.
Abstract
There are several considerations that are going to help provide the answer to the question of whether remodeling or expansion is the best choice. Examples of evaluation criteria include the ability to deliver the required space, provide needed security zoning, convey a civic/police facility image, and the time required for implementation. Other criteria are the ability for future expansion, parking, budget, operational costs, interim relocation needs, and facility visibility and accessibility to the public. Although these issues require professional input by a consultant, police professionals should be actively involved throughout the process. The outcome of the evaluation of existing facility reuse will be entirely dependent upon the particular circumstances presented. The decision whether to reuse and expand an existing facility may be driven more by site considerations than the value of the existing structure. Criteria for renovation include existing mechanical, electrical, and technology support systems. It usually helps to compare the features that can be obtained through new construction against those achieved from a remodeling or expansion. New construction allows a public safety agency to design a facility that responds directly to the agency’s policing philosophy and operational needs. Ideally, the existing facility will serve some other government need within the service jurisdiction. It is important to develop a renovation and expansion plan that allows existing operations to continue 24 hours a day and seven days per week, unimpeded by construction activities. Existing operations can be moved in to the new space upon completion and the vacated existing space can be renovated for support functions. This strategy allows the project to be completed under budget and in less time than originally thought necessary.