El Centro, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The new El Centro Police Department headquarters is nearing completion and is scheduled to open to the public in December. This $49.6 million facility is funded through Measure P, reflecting a strong community commitment to public safety. Despite slight construction delays, essential services have continued uninterrupted. The headquarters will feature advanced technology, improved facilities, and community engagement spaces, including a multipurpose room for public use.
El Centro Police Department’s New Headquarters Nears Completion, Set to Open in December 2023
The city of El Centro’s new Police Department headquarters is currently 90% complete and is scheduled to open to the public in December 2023, having experienced a slight delay from the original October timeline. This $49.6 million facility is primarily funded through Measure P, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters, indicating a significant community investment in public safety.
Despite minor operational challenges arising throughout the construction process, the El Centro Police Department has continued to deliver uninterrupted services. The completion timeline for the overall project has been adjusted, now estimating a final completion in April 2026 instead of the previously anticipated March date. Developed through detailed coordination between city staff and contractors, the project has seen the El Centro City Council approve 15 change orders worth $2.57 million, alongside an additional $2.5 million allocated for various enhancements.
Key upgrades to the facility include shaded parking, advanced audio/visual systems, and improved signage—improvements that aim to ensure long-term operational efficiency. The new headquarters will feature dedicated areas for property retrieval, interview rooms designed specifically for victims, a Real Time Crime Center, and a “Drones as First Responders” program, which aims to leverage new technology for enhanced public safety.
In addition, the headquarters will house a 2,146-square-foot multipurpose community room with the capability to accommodate up to 150 individuals, showcasing the city’s commitment to serving the community beyond traditional policing functions. Changes to the surrounding infrastructure are also planned, including the repaving of Main Street and the conversion of 11th Street into a one-way northbound road. The main entrance to the new police building will be relocated to the south side, providing improved accessibility from Main Street.
The construction of this facility is celebrated as one of El Centro’s most significant public safety investments in recent years, a project that reflects decades of planning and effort. The Acting Police Chief has acknowledged the community’s support throughout the development process, emphasizing that the project’s realization was made possible significantly by voter approval of Measure P.
The design of the new police headquarters aims to serve the El Centro community effectively for the next 75 years, ensuring that law enforcement remains equipped to meet the needs of a growing population.
Key Features of the New Police Headquarters
- Completion Status: 90% complete
- Opening Date: December 2023
- Budget: $49.6 million funded by Measure P
- Change Orders: 15 approved worth $2.57 million
- Additional Enhancements: $2.5 million allocated
- Facilities: Property retrieval area, interview rooms, Real Time Crime Center, Drones as First Responders program, community room for 150 people
- Infrastructure Changes: Main Street repaving, 11th Street to one-way road, new entrance location
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the El Centro Police Department’s new headquarters officially open?
The new headquarters is set to open in December 2023.
What is the total cost of the new police department facility?
The facility’s construction costs approximately $49.6 million, funded through Measure P.
What significant features does the new police headquarters include?
Key features include a community room, dedicated property retrieval area, interview rooms for victims, a Real Time Crime Center, and a Drones as First Responders program.
How has the construction process impacted police services?
Despite some minor operational challenges, police services have continued uninterrupted throughout the construction period.
What changes to local streets are planned in connection with the new headquarters?
Changes include repaving Main Street and converting 11th Street to a one-way northbound road.
Chart: Key Features of El Centro Police Headquarters
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Completion Status | 90% complete |
| Opening Date | December 2023 |
| Facility Cost | $49.6 million |
| Change Orders Approved | 15 worth $2.57 million |
| Community Room Capacity | 150 people |
| Plan for Nearby Streets | Main Street repaving, 11th Street one-way northbound |
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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