By David A. F. Sweet
On July 15, the Lake Forest City Council unanimously approved purchasing the building at 1925 Field Court for adaptive reuse as a new police facility. The Lake Forest Police Department operates out of the Public Safety Building at 255 W. Deerpath. Constructed in the 1960s as a combined facility for the Police and Fire Departments, the building is not adequate to meet the space needs of both departments.
Lake Forest Love talked with Interim Chief of Police Michael Lange about the need for a new facility.
Why is this project needed?
We are maximizing every inch of space in the building while also sharing the overall space with the Fire Department. To meet the public safety needs of the community today, the current, outdated facility is not adequate to accomplish our mission. As we look well into the future and anticipate the increased demands for public safety, we feel this new facility will set us up for success. We would also like to expand our Social Services program to better serve the increased needs of the community.
"One of our goals is that a new police station can serve as a community hub, fostering better relationships between the police and the community," says Interim Chief of Police Michael Lange.
What are the key daily challenges at the current station?
The training demands in law enforcement today are significant. While the State of Illinois has mandated training, we know that additional training is needed to provide the highest level of service possible to the residents of Lake Forest. We have significant training space restrictions in our current building. We often must repurpose rooms for periods of time to meet certain training objectives. We have only one classroom for lecture-style training, which significantly limits the amount of professional outside training courses we can hold at our department. Our current range, while functional, is limited in its training capacity and does not afford us the flexibility to train our officers in modern police practices.
Privacy concerns for victims, witnesses and offenders is a real issue for us at the Lake Forest Police Department. We have very few private meeting spaces, and we have to be mindful as some conversations can be heard due to the current building’s design. Our only social service office is in the main lobby, which does not offer the privacy and protections we would like for our residents. Our social worker doesn’t have a private office to provide counseling services.
Another significant challenge is our evidence processing and storage areas. We have limited space, so all evidence is in the basement and that creates challenges when moving evidence. Also, we have significant ventilation issues in that area of the building.
What technological features will the new facility have that don't exist at the current station?
While the formal design process starting this fall will determine what exactly is included in the new building, a new police facility could offer several technological features such as:
· Improved firearms range for enhanced, real-world firearms training
· Forensic examination equipment for our detectives
· Updated and enhanced evidence processing equipment
· Improved jail facilities
Emergency Operations Center can provide enhanced responses to long-term critical incidents in the City. This center can provide a strategic hub for City staff to operate from and manage all aspects of a large-scale incident.
In what ways will the facility be an improvement for the day-to-day lives of the police, and why is this important?
The new facility will incorporate enhanced security measures, providing a safer working environment for officers. This includes secure parking, controlled access, and advanced surveillance systems. Most new police facilities include improved fitness and officer wellness amenities. To accommodate the growing number of female officers, the new building will have better locker-room and wellness facilities, which is something lacking in the current building. The improvements will be part of the male facilities as well. These areas will contribute to the physical and mental well-being of officers, helping them manage the stress and demands of their job more effectively.
Modern training facilities within our new building can provide ongoing education and skills development, helping officers stay prepared and confident in their abilities. These more regular training opportunities also promote career development and job satisfaction, which are crucial for retaining experienced officers and attracting new recruits.
How will the new station improve safety for citizens?
A new police station can improve safety for citizens in several ways. The hope is that our new facility will be equipped with the latest technology for communication, surveillance, and data analysis, improving the police force's ability to monitor, prevent, and respond to crime. This will have a significant impact on our abilities to improve safety for the community.
A new station can offer additional space and resources for crime prevention programs and educational outreach programs, all aimed at reducing crime and increasing public safety awareness. This new station will create training opportunities not available at our current police department. These advanced training opportunities will undoubtedly create an even more educated and prepared police department to serve the residents of Lake Forest.
One of our goals is that a new police station can serve as a community hub, fostering better relationships between the police and the community. A modern police station will also come with improved facilities for handling evidence, conducting investigations, and managing resources, leading to more efficient and effective policing operations.
How will the new facility improve recruitment of police officers?
Modern facilities for locker rooms, fitness and law enforcement training spaces are likely to attract more candidates. Access to the latest tools and equipment can give recruits confidence that they will be well-prepared for their roles, which can be a significant factor in their decision to join. A new, well-maintained, and modern facility will hopefully make the job of being a Lake Forest Police Officer more attractive.
Find more information about the new police station project at cityoflakeforest.com/PoliceStation.
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