Mansfield breaks ground on new police headquarters

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

The Mansfield Police Department took a step into the future Monday afternoon, breaking ground on a $41 million, 53,000-square-foot headquarters.

The building will be constructed on the site of the previous police building and jail at 1601 Heritage Parkway. The former facility, which has already been torn down, was built in 1990 and contained 69,000 square feet including the jail.

“It’s so important to put your money where your mouth is,” said Mayor Michael Evans. “We owe our police top-tier equipment. It’s important to show the residents of the city how we really feel about our police, who run into danger for us.”

The building was well-worn and the police had outgrown it. In 2005, the city built the Mansfield Public Safety building at 1305 E. Broad St. to give the police department more room. The department’s detectives, evidence room and administration were moved to the Public Safety Building, splitting the department, which was not good for communication or collaboration, said Police Chief Tracy Aaron.

“The building was 33 years old,” he said. “For the mental health of our employees and to serve our citizens, it was necessary. This building will reunite our team. The public safety building will be repurposed.”

The new facility will also include the jail, plus a communications center, indoor and outdoor fitness centers and a multipurpose room. The site will also have two 7,000-square-foot buildings that will be used for SWAT, canine and vehicle services.

The $41 million cost for the new complex will be paid for by issuing bonds, said the city’s chief financial officer Troy Lestina.

Construction is expected to take about 18 months, weather permitting.

The building was designed by BRM Architects, while Steele & Freeman, Inc. will spearhead construction.

‍