“We’re going to try to create more privacy, in the lobby, for the public when they’re talking with an officer,” said Beavercreek Police Chief Dennis Evers.
Lobby upgrades would include adding walls to part of the area to create a space where officers can privately speak with individuals if needed.
“Some of these things, especially the lobby, … we’ve been remiss on getting that lobby fixed so we can have a secure room to talk to people without having an open room,” said Beavercreek City Councilwoman Debborah Wallace. “… I think it’s almost mandatory we get that done … I think confidentiality issues are huge.”
The police department has been housed in the building on Research Park Drive for almost two decades, but has outgrown the space since it moved in in 1997, according to Evers.
The improvements budgeted for 2017 will address some of the immediate issues with the building, however solutions are still needed for some of the remaining problems with the space. The men’s locker room, which is used by 46 officers and some volunteers, is cramped and the small lockers don’t allow users to hang their clothing.
The police department building improvements come during a time when the council is considering options for upgrading or building a new city hall. The council is expected to have the results of an assessment of the city hall and police department buildings early next year.
During the Nov. 16 work session, Beavercreek City Councilman Zach Upton questioned whether the council should invest more money into the current police building or seek other alternatives.
“You can’t let something deteriorate to the point where you lose value,” said Beavercreek Mayor Bob Stone. “Even if we did build something, we would have to dispose of the building to some other customer.”
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