El Centro, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The El Centro Police Department’s new headquarters is 90% complete and set to open in December. The $49.6 million facility will enhance public safety with advanced features and community spaces. Minor adjustments have been made to the project timeline, focusing on critical areas to ensure operational readiness. The new headquarters aims to serve the community for the next 75 years, reflecting careful planning and investment in local services.
El Centro Police Department’s New Headquarters Nears Completion, Set to Open in December 2023
The new El Centro Police Department headquarters is nearing completion with approximately 90% of the construction finished. The facility is now set to open its doors in December 2023, a slight delay from the original timeline projected for October. This ambitious project represents a significant public safety investment for the city of El Centro, costing around $49.6 million funded through Measure P, a voter-approved half-cent sales tax aimed at enhancing local services.
Despite facing minor operational challenges during the construction phase, the El Centro Police Department’s services have remained uninterrupted. Close coordination between city staff and contractors has been key to maintaining the project’s scope and timeline. Public Works Director and City Engineer Abraham Campos noted that attention is currently focused on interior finishes, site improvements, and the communication systems essential for police operations.
As the project progresses, the overall completion timeline has been slightly adjusted, moving from March 2026 to April 2026. The El Centro City Council has approved 15 change orders worth a total of $2.57 million, along with an additional $2.5 million allocated for various enhancements to the facility. These upgrades include shaded parking, advanced audio/visual systems, and clear signage aimed at providing long-term operational efficiencies.
The new headquarters will feature several important enhancements designed to aid law enforcement activities in the community. Among these features will be a dedicated property retrieval area, new interview rooms specifically designed for victims, a real-time crime center to enhance response capabilities, and a Drones as First Responders program to utilize drone technology in emergency scenarios.
Furthermore, the facility will include a 2,146-square-foot multipurpose community room that can accommodate up to 150 people. This space is envisioned to serve various community functions and events, reinforcing the department’s connection to the community it serves.
Accompanying infrastructure changes are also planned around the headquarters, which will involve repaving Main Street and modifying 11th Street to facilitate one-way northbound traffic. The main entrance of the new police building will be repositioned to the southern side of the building, accessible from Main Street.
Acting Police Chief Kelly Brown expressed appreciation to the community for their continued support, underscoring that the project would not have been feasible without Measure P. The design aims to ensure the new headquarters serves the community effectively for the next 75 years, embodying decades of planning and hard work by city officials and stakeholders.
Overview of Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $49.6 million |
| Completion Percentage | 90% |
| Opening Date | December 2023 |
| Main Entrance | South side of the building off Main Street |
| Community Room Capacity | 150 people |
| Real Time Crime Center | Yes |
| Drones as First Responders | Yes |
| Projected Longevity | 75 years |
FAQ
What is the expected opening date for the new headquarters?
The new El Centro Police Department headquarters is expected to open in December 2023.
How much did the new headquarters cost?
The total cost of the new headquarters is approximately $49.6 million.
How is the construction of the headquarters funded?
The funding for the construction is provided through Measure P, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters.
What features will the new building include?
The new headquarters will include a property retrieval area, interview rooms for victims, a Real Time Crime Center, a Drones as First Responders program, and a multipurpose community room.
What changes are planned for the streets near the new headquarters?
Nearby streets will be repaved and 11th Street will be modified to one-way northbound traffic.
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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