New Bedford announces plans to build new police headquarters
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — After more than 25 years, New Bedford is set to build a new headquarters for its police department.
Mayor Jon Mitchell unveiled the plans for the new facility on Thursday, alongside Police Chief Paul Oliveira and City Councilman Brian Gomes.
The decision follows a recommendation from the Jensen-Hughes review of police operations last year, which Mitchell said is long overdue.
"It takes time, it takes money, but I think we have to commit ourselves to that because the work that is done here is fundamental to everything that we do," Mitchell said.
BACKGROUND: Review of New Bedford Police Department offers list of suggestions
The current headquarters on Rockdale Avenue has served the department since January 1999.
Originally a grocery store, the building was intended as a temporary solution after the department's former facility was sold and demolished.
While the city has funneled millions of dollars into the building over the last two decades for renovations and repairs, Oliveira said it no longer meets the needs of the department or the community.
“We’re constantly shuffling officers around to make room," the chief said. "The city is always in here with crews fixing this and that."
He explained that the building is no longer suitable for interviews and police communications operations.
"I think the men and women very much deserve a state-of-the-art facility. I think the citizens of New Bedford deserve a state-of-the-art facility," Oliveira added.
The new headquarters is expected to take three to four years to complete, with an estimated cost of $100 million. This includes site analysis, public input, bid solicitation, design, and construction.
Those with questions or seeking further information are asked to contact the New Bedford Purchasing Department at (508) 979-1432.
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