News Summary
The new headquarters of the El Centro Police Department is close to completion and set to open in December. The $49.6 million facility, funded by Measure P, will enhance public safety services and community engagement. Currently, construction is about 90% finished, with the project expected to be fully operational by April. The new site will feature advanced technologies and infrastructure improvements, significantly benefiting local law enforcement and community interactions.
El Centro — The El Centro Police Department’s new headquarters, a pivotal investment in public safety, is nearing completion and is set to officially open in December 2023, though it was initially scheduled for October. This state-of-the-art facility, costing $49.6 million, is being funded through Measure P, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters.
As of now, the construction is about 90% complete, with contractors concentrating on final interior finishes, site enhancements, and essential communication systems. Public Works Director and City Engineer Abraham Campos emphasized that the project has faced minor operational challenges during construction; however, police services have continued without interruption. The completion timeline for the overall project has now shifted from March 2026 to April 2026, highlighting the need for continuous collaboration between city staff and contractors to adhere to the project scope and deadlines.
In total, the El Centro City Council has sanctioned 15 change orders amounting to $2.57 million, along with an additional allocation of $2.5 million for various enhancements. These upgrades include shaded parking, advanced audio/visual systems, and effective signage that will provide long-term savings for city operations.
New Facility Features
Once operational, the new headquarters will boast numerous innovative facilities designed to enhance public safety services in El Centro. Among these, a dedicated property retrieval area and new interview rooms for victims will improve the quality and accessibility of police services. Additionally, the establishment of a Real Time Crime Center and a Drones as First Responders program will incorporate advanced technological tools in law enforcement.
A notable feature of the headquarters is a 2,146-square-foot multipurpose community room that will accommodate up to 150 people. This space is poised to foster community engagement and serve as a venue for various events.
Infrastructure Changes
Alongside the construction of the new police headquarters, significant changes to local infrastructure are planned. Main Street will undergo repaving, while 11th Street will be narrowed to a one-way northbound road. Furthermore, the main entrance to the new headquarters will be relocated to the south side of the building, accessible from Main Street.
Community Impact
This new facility not only represents a vital advancement in public safety for El Centro but also embodies over 75 years of planning and community investment. The acting police chief acknowledged the continued support from the community, underscoring that the successful realization of this project owes much to Measure P. The headquarters aims to stand as a robust and functional asset for the community well into the future.
As the completion date approaches, stakeholders and residents alike look towards a new chapter in public safety and community engagement in El Centro, with a facility designed to cater to the needs of the city 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
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