As the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies have changed over the past several years, so have the requirements for the facilities where they serve. There has been a noticeable increase in new technology, advanced training and a focus on the physical and mental health of law enforcement personnel.
This article appeared in the March/April issue of OFFICER Magazine. Click Here to subscribe to OFFICER Magazine.
OFFICER Magazine’s Law Enforcement track at the 2023 Station Design Conference, May 23-25 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark in St. Louis, Missouri, will feature some of the leading architectural firms specializing in the planning and construction of law enforcement facilities.
In a session titled “Are You Ready? How to Set Yourself Up for Success,” Jeffery McElravy and Rebecca Hopkins from Tecton Architects will discuss the critical steps that law enforcement agencies can take early on that will best prepare them for the RFP process and ensure their journey ends with a completed project. Later in the conference, McElravy and Hopkins will present “Building Trust from Within…IACP,” which will review the IACP’s framework of practices and policies that can be utilized to facilitate more meaningful exchanges and collaborations between officers, their community partners and the citizens they serve.
During the session “Planning and Design Guidelines for Your Next Law Enforcement Facility,” Ray Lee and Mark Price from FGM Architects will share best practices and the latest trends in a new construction or renovation project, including features to help with staff retention and recruitment, programming for community engagement, and providing staff spaces for health, wellness, and training.
Brian Berryhill and Tyler Joseph from Roth Sheppard Architects will present the session “Gaining Community Support for Public Safety Facilities,” which will focus on how to communicate the need for a new facility or remodel, strategies for educating decision-makers and the public and the value of citizen advisory groups.
Douglas Schmidtknecht from the Creekside Consulting Team will present “Interview Room Design and Recording System—How Your Recording System Can Reduce Construction Cost.” This presentation and discussion will focus on the design of interview rooms including the design elements or different types of Interview rooms. This session will also include DOJ requirements, recommendations, and discuss the importance of the interview room recording management system.
Jeff Humphreys and Brett Hanson from MACKENZIE will present “Threat Mitigation through Design Application.” The session will focus on key design strategies surrounding today’s modern law enforcement facility and how such features mitigate threats, reduce attack vulnerability, and enhance officer safety, while preserving an inviting and welcoming facility.
Prior to the main conference, the critically acclaimed Station Design Conference “1-on-One” sessions will feature a team of nationally recognized law enforcement and public safety design architects from around the country. These firms have been involved in designing and constructing over 400 stations and law enforcement facilities in 45-plus states and Canada. These experts will personally review and discuss projects at any stage from inception, land acquisition, feasibility, design or construction. Law enforcement agencies will receive focused expert advice based on where you are in the process, with input and professional recommendations on how best to proceed.
For more information on the 2023 Station Design Conference, visit fhstationdesign.com.
This article appeared in the March/April issue of OFFICER Magazine.
