City leaders throughout America are investing in the next generation of law enforcement facilities designed to meet operational demands, strengthen public safety coordination, and support long term community growth. Aging police stations that were built decades ago are being replaced with purpose-built complexes that emphasize security, technology integration, evidence integrity, and interdepartmental collaboration.
The trend reflects several converging realities. Many existing police facilities were constructed 30 to 50 years ago and were never designed to accommodate digital forensics labs, modern communications centers, advanced HVAC requirements for evidence preservation, or the level of security now required for controlled access environments. Departments are also facing increased staffing levels, expanded training needs, and heightened expectations for community engagement. As a result, new projects frequently consolidate multiple law enforcement divisions into centralized campuses, integrate 911 communications, improve chain of custody controls, and incorporate flexible space for future growth. Many upcoming projects are also being designed to co-locate law enforcement facilities alongside emergency and first responder operations.
Nationally, public safety capital investments have remained strong despite fluctuating economic conditions. Large public safety campuses now commonly range from $25 million in small communities to well over $150 million in fast-growing metropolitan areas. Many projects are designed with scalable infrastructure, hardened technology systems, enhanced cybersecurity features, and sustainable building systems to reduce long term operational costs. Alternative delivery methods are also gaining popularity as city leaders seek cost certainty, and scheduling efficiency.
In Plano, Texas, city leaders have announced a $155 million public safety campus designed to consolidate critical emergency response and public safety operations. The capital program includes development of a new police headquarters, a 15,000 square foot fire station with five apparatus bays and 12 bedrooms, a 911 public safety communications center, a central utility plant, and a parking garage.
The new fire station will be strategically located between Plano’s two existing stations to strengthen coverage and response capacity in a high demand service area. Its proximity to the future police headquarters will reinforce coordinated emergency response and shared operational infrastructure.
Plano’s current police station can no longer accommodate staffing levels or operational requirements. The new headquarters will provide expanded space, lower long-term maintenance costs, and a modernized communications center to support 911 dispatch and emergency coordination. Once complete, the campus will enhance operational resilience, improve interdepartmental communication, and provide scalable facilities to support the city’s long-term public safety needs. Design and professional services are underway, and construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.
A new $80 million police headquarters is also being designed in Bismarck, North Dakota. The facility will be located on a recently acquired 9.8-acre site and will replace a headquarters built more than four decades ago that can no longer meet operational needs.
Current plans call for construction of a single facility capable of housing all essential infrastructure and equipment for the Bismarck Police Department. The building will include administrative and investigative offices, evidence processing areas, upgraded communications and technology infrastructure, secure parking and fleet support areas. The consolidated facility will streamline workflow, improve service delivery, and include expansion capacity to accommodate future growth.
City leaders are evaluating whether to use a Design-Bid-Build or Construction Manager at Risk delivery model, and phased construction remains an option. The project is in the design phase, with construction solicitations planned for 2027.
Plans are taking shape in Madison, Wisconsin, for a new combined police station and centralized property, evidence and forensics facility. The new building will consolidate several Madison Police Department functions into a single purpose-built complex and replace an older station. The project carries an estimated cost of $42.5 million.
By bringing these functions together, the city will eliminate the need to operate from four separate evidence and storage locations. Consolidation will improve efficiency, security, and chain of custody controls. Patrol and administrative operations will benefit from modern evidence processing, long term storage, and forensic capabilities housed within one secure environment. The integrated approach will strengthen coordination between units, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance with current guidelines for evidence handling and forensic analysis.
The project remains in the early planning phase, with design work expected to begin within the next several months. Planning and design are anticipated to continue through 2027, and construction solicitations are slated for release in 2028.
Plans have also been announced to replace an older police station in Riverside, California, with a new $62 million facility designed to support both administrative and operational functions. The current building no longer meets modern safety standards, staffing requirements, or service demands.
The new building will feature a public lobby with clearly defined administrative areas, offices for the chief of police and department personnel, training space, classrooms, meeting rooms, secure storage, a records bureau, interview rooms, and community services areas. Significant upgrades to building systems are planned, including new electrical, plumbing, sewer, and HVAC infrastructure.
The facility will be designed with enhanced security and access control, ensuring clear separation between public areas and restricted zones. Dedicated information technology offices and network rooms will support mission critical systems. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in 2026.
In West Dundee, Illinois, a $25 million project is being planned to deliver a new 34,500 square foot police station that will replace the current outdated facility. The project will relocate police operations to a central site within a repurposed former commercial property.
The new facility will provide expanded operational space, improved security, and upgraded technology. Administrative, investigative, detention, and evidence functions will be consolidated under one roof, with flexibility for future expansion. In addition to enhancing public safety operations, the project is expected to serve as an anchor for long term site revitalization, aligning with broader redevelopment goals for the former commercial corridor. The project is in early design, with planning expected to continue through 2026. Construction solicitations are anticipated afterward, with officials targeting 2027 for groundbreaking.
As communities continue to grow and public safety responsibilities expand, investment in new or updated law enforcement facilities will continue to be a strategic priority rather than a discretionary expense. These projects represent long-term commitments to public safety and community service. Public-private collaborations will continue to escalate as public safety infrastructure is foundational to protect citizens and prepare cities for the challenges ahead.
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