News Summary
The city of El Centro is on the verge of completing its new Police Department headquarters, which is now 90% finished and set to open in December. This $49.6 million project, funded by Measure P, aims to enhance public safety in the community. Key features include advanced facilities like interview rooms for victims and a Real Time Crime Center. The project faced minor delays but is viewed as a significant investment in local infrastructure, reflecting years of community support and planning.
El Centro’s New Police Headquarters Nears Completion, Opening Scheduled for December 2023
The city of El Centro is approaching a significant milestone with the nearly finished construction of its new Police Department headquarters. The facility, which is about 90% complete, is set to officially open in December 2023. This opening marks a delay from the originally planned date in October 2023, with the overall project timeline extending slightly beyond initial forecasts.
Funding and Significance
The $49.6 million project is being financed through Measure P, a voter-approved additional half-cent sales tax intended to bolster public safety investments. This structure underscores the importance placed on strengthening law enforcement facilities within the community. The new headquarters is regarded as one of the city’s most notable recent investments in public safety infrastructure, reflecting decades of planning and community support.
Construction Progress and Remaining Tasks
According to Public Works Director and City Engineer Abraham Campos, contractors are actively working on completing interior finishes, site improvements, and communication systems essential for operations. Despite minor operational challenges experienced during construction, city officials assure that police and administrative services have continued to operate without disruption. The full completion of the project has been rescheduled from March 2026 to April 2026, allowing for final adjustments and inspections prior to opening.
Coordination and Budget Adjustments
The project has required careful coordination between city staff and contractors to adhere to scope and timeline constraints. The El Centro City Council has approved 15 change orders totaling about $2.57 million, alongside an additional $2.5 million for enhancements that improve functionality and efficiency. These upgrades include shaded parking, improved audio/visual systems, and clearer signage, aiming for long-term savings and operational benefits.
Features of the New Headquarters
The new police facility will incorporate numerous advanced features to serve the department and community effectively. Key facilities include a dedicated property retrieval area, interview rooms for victims, a Real Time Crime Center, and the Drones as First Responders program. Additionally, a 2,146-square-foot multipurpose community room capable of hosting up to 150 people will be available for public and departmental use.
Changes to Local Infrastructure
Planned modifications to the surrounding streets include repaving Main Street and converting 11th Street into a one-way northbound road, enhancing traffic flow near the new headquarters. The main entrance to the building will be relocated to the south side, off Main Street, facilitating easier access for employees and visitors.
Community Support and Future Outlook
Acting Police Chief Kelly Brown has expressed appreciation for community backing, emphasizing that Measure P was critical in making the project possible. The new building is designed to serve the community for the next 75 years, embodying a long-term commitment to public safety and community well-being, and representing the culmination of extensive planning and effort.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
