Willoughby Hills is moving forward with plans to expand and modernize the police department facility to better support public safety, improve day-to-day operations and meet the needs of the growing community. According to Police Chief Matthew Naegele, the current building was built in the early 1970 s when the department was much smaller and the demands of modern policing were very different. “Over the years, temporary fixes and small improvements have kept the building in use, but it was never designed to meet today’s operational, technological or professional standards,” he said. “Those stopgap solutions are no longer enough.” The need for expansion isn’t just about updating the look of the building, Naegele said. “Right now, public and police areas aren’t clearly separated, which can create challenges for staff and visitors alike,” he said. “Core departments are spread out across the facility, making daily operations slower and less efficient.” Additionally, the building was not designed to support modern technology, training or administrative needs, so temporary solutions are not sustainable, Naegele said. The project is designed to meet both today’s needs and the city’s future public safety needs, Naegele said. The new facility will provide room for growth, support modern policing practices and allow for new technologies as they develop. “By planning for the future now, the city is making a smart investment that will serve our community for decades to come,” he said. The city has completed a planning process that included a feasibility study and a formal Request for Qualifications to make sure the project is well thought out and responsibly developed, Naegele said. “Through this process, (Bowen and Associates) was selected to provide architectural and engineering services,” he said. “Bowen brings extensive experience with similar public safety projects and the city looks forward to working with the firm during the planning and design phases.” The next phase of the project has been submitted to City Council for review and approval. “With their support, this project will deliver a police facility that meets the high standards our community expects, supports staff and keeps public safety at the forefront,” Naegele said. Additional project updates will be shared as planning continues. ...read more read less