El Centro, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The El Centro Police Department’s new headquarters is nearing completion, with 90% of construction finished and an expected opening in December. This $49.6 million facility, financed through Measure P, represents a major investment in public safety. Although the opening has been delayed, the project features advanced amenities aimed at enhancing law enforcement efficiency and community engagement. The city council has also approved additional funding for improvements, reinforcing the headquarters’ role as a central resource for public safety.
El Centro Police Department’s New Headquarters Nears Completion, Set to Open in December 2023
El Centro’s new Police Department headquarters is nearly finished, with construction 90% complete and a scheduled opening in December 2023. This timeline has shifted from the initial projection of October 2023 due to various factors. The overall project, budgeted at $49.6 million, is financed through Measure P, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters, highlighting it as a significant investment in public safety for the city.
Despite the delay, the Public Works Director and City Engineer reported that contractors are currently focused on making interior finishes, site improvements, and installing communication systems. This meticulous attention to detail aims to ensure that the new headquarters effectively serves the community for the next 75 years.
The completion timeline for the overall construction project has also been revised from March 2026 to April 2026, indicating the extensive planning that has gone into this initiative. To maintain progress, the city staff has maintained close coordination with contractors, addressing any operational challenges that have arisen during construction.
Additionally, the El Centro City Council has approved 15 change orders totaling $2.57 million, alongside an extra $2.5 million for various enhancements. These changes are intended to optimize the facility’s functionality and user experience, incorporating features like shaded parking, state-of-the-art audio/visual systems, and comprehensive signage aimed at achieving long-term financial savings.
Key Features of the New Headquarters
The new police headquarters will boast numerous advanced features designed to enhance law enforcement efficiency and community engagement. Important elements of the new facility include:
- A dedicated property retrieval area
- New interview rooms for victims
- A Real Time Crime Center to facilitate instant access to data for officers
- A Drones as First Responders program for quick incident response
- A spacious 2,146-square-foot multipurpose community room, which can accommodate up to 150 individuals.
Furthermore, there are plans for infrastructure modifications around the headquarters, such as repaving Main Street and converting 11th Street to a one-way northbound road. The building’s primary entrance is set to relocate to the south side off Main Street, promoting better access for the public.
The Acting Police Chief expressed appreciation to the community for their ongoing support throughout the project, underscoring that the successful funding through Measure P was critical to the realization of the headquarters. This project is viewed as a culmination of decades of planning and effort, driven by the need to enhance public safety measures in El Centro.
Conclusion
The completion of the new police headquarters marks a pivotal moment for El Centro, aligning with the city’s goals for improved public safety services. With facilities designed for modern law enforcement practices, the community can expect better police support and a stronger partnership between law enforcement and residents.
FAQ
When will the new El Centro Police Department headquarters open?
The new headquarters is scheduled to open in December 2023.
What is the total budget for the new police headquarters?
The facility is budgeted at $49.6 million, funded by Measure P, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters.
What features will the new police headquarters have?
Key features include a dedicated property retrieval area, specialized interview rooms for victims, a Real Time Crime Center, a Drones as First Responders program, and a multipurpose community room.
What are the changes planned for surrounding streets?
Plans include repaving Main Street and converting 11th Street to a one-way northbound road to facilitate access to the new headquarters.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Property Retrieval Area | Dedicated space for citizens to retrieve personal property. |
| Interview Rooms | Specialized rooms designed for victim interviews. |
| Real Time Crime Center | A center providing immediate data access for officers on the scene. |
| Drones as First Responders | Program integrating drones into first response scenarios. |
| Multipurpose Community Room | A large space for community gatherings, accommodating up to 150 people. |
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
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