New OPD Headquarters Under Construction
The initial phases of the $12 million project to innovate the future Oxford Police Department (OPD) headquarters is progressing successfully, marking a considerable accomplishment for the department.
A New Beginning for OPD
Back in 2021, the Oxford Board of Aldermen agreed upon a proposal to modify the erstwhile Oxford Enterprise Center into a spanking new police department headquarters. The development is set to cater to the department’s swift growth in subsequent years. With the completion of the demolition phase, the construction workers are setting their sights on erecting the interior walls and commencing drywall installations.
Features of the Future Headquarters
The novel headquarters, covering a significant 40,000 square feet, will bring together the entire department under a single roof, encouraging superior connectivity and operational efficiency. The headquarters boasts a prime feature: the dispatch center. Characterized as the edifice’s nucleus by Chief Jeff McCutchen, the dispatch center forms the pivotal mode of communication within the organization.
Along with this, distinct spaces have been assigned for victim services, furnished with a conference room and a playroom for children. The layout has been designed keeping aptitude and inclusivity at its core, ensuring support and comfort for all who enter the headquarters. The plans also include a volunteer internship program and enhanced evidence-processing systems.
Embracing Modern Technology
The OPD is also taking a forward-looking stance towards technology, with particular emphasis on mobility and collaboration. In tune with the changing times, the design offers substantial flexibility, replacing desktop computers with adaptable workstations. The objective is to facilitate the demands of police work, ranging from on-field activities to administrative tasks within the office premises.
In McCutchen’s words, “Our profession is so mobile; we aren’t coming to the office to do a lot of things. You want to be in the field with your officers.” To facilitate this, the design includes stand-up stations and round tables accommodating co-working and generating reports. These thoughtful additions are aimed at enhancing productivity and promoting physical well-being and connectedness among the staff.
Anticipation and Financials
As the work progresses, both the department and the community eagerly await seeing the facility completed. The state Legislature has sanctioned approximately $6 million as grants for the building. In addition, a $200,000 federal grant has been received for the infrastructure, with the city covering the remaining expenditure through a bond.
The current OPD headquarters, in turn, will soon convert to a facility for the Oxford Parks Commission, marking a significant step in the region’s infrastructural development.
