Mansfield police open new headquarters

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

Mansfield’s police have a new home and the entire department celebrated with a ribbon cutting and open house Saturday. For the first time in almost two decades, the department is all on one campus.

"Our department has grown alongside our community, and over the years, we found ourselves operating from multiple locations across the city," said Mansfield Police Chief Tracy Aaron. "Now, by bringing all our divisions together under one roof, we’re creating a space that fosters greater synergy, collaboration and efficiency. This state-of-the-art facility not only meets the needs of today but also prepares us for the future of policing with advanced technology and room for growth. Its design and dedication honor those who served before us, those who serve today, and those who will carry our mission forward."  

The new $41.9 million, 54,000-square-foot building unites the patrol, administration, communications, volunteers, jail, criminal investigations, evidence and crime scene, Auto Theft and Burglary Prevention Task Force and dispatch. The new facility also includes a 28-person capacity jail, plus two 7,000-square-foot buildings for SWAT, canine and vehicle services on the 26-acre campus.

The new building contains a briefing room, multipurpose room, gym, outdoor workout area, men’s and women’s locker rooms, large break room and property room and lockers.

“Everything is bigger and better, so everybody benefits,” said Officer Cecily Santana, public information officer for the Mansfield Police Department. “People who were here for the old building are very grateful. Having a building meant for us makes our jobs better and safer.”

In honor of the new facility, police officers were issued commemorative badges that they can wear through the end of the year.

The former police station, which was on the same site at 1601 Heritage Parkway, was built in 1990 and contained 69,000 square feet including the 20-person capacity jail. 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, Aaron said.

The cost for the new complex will be paid for by issuing bonds, said the city’s chief financial officer Troy Lestina. Construction began in February 2023. The building was designed by BRM Architects, while Steele & Freeman, Inc. will spearhead construction.

The Mansfield Jail services the cities of Mansfield, Burleson, Kennedale, Mansfield ISD Police Department and Methodist Mansfield Police Department. Some of the new features of the new jail include a superior security system, an electronic property bin and a 2 lane/4 car Sally port. Some new additions include a padded room, a handicap room and a designated arraignment room.

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