Police Facility Focus Group Committee

The Odessa Police Facility Focus Group was formed, consisting of Odessa residents, to assess the current and future needs of the Odessa Police Department, and by extension, the public safety needs of the Odessa community. The group's mission was to recommend options that align with public values, support the operational requirements of the Odessa Police Department, address both present and future community needs, and ensure the fiscal responsible use of taxpayer dollars. After extensive research, deliberation, and community input, guided by the group's mission and goals, they concluded that the construction of a new police facility and the implementation of a dedicated public safety sales tax are critical investments in the safety and well-being of Odessa. The following conclusions were reached, which were presented to the Odessa Board of Aldermen.

GOALS

• The facility will be located in an area that ensures accessibility for all residents and supports optimal response times.
• The facility will serve the needs of the community.
• The facility will meet past and future growth needs, ensuring it serves generations to come and allows for potential expansion.
• The focus group will provide recommendations that prioritize financial responsibility.

NECESSITY FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND ENHANCED PUBLIC SAFETY

The current police facility is inadequate and unsafe to meet the present and future needs of our growing community. It suffers from overcrowding, outdated infrastructure, lack of secure evidence storage, officer safety and public safety hazards. A new facility is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our police department and to provide a secure and welcoming environment for our citizens. Furthermore, we recognize the need for ongoing public safety improvements beyond just the police facility.

PROPOSED SOLUTION

The Focus Group recommends the construction of a new police facility on the city-owned property located at 104 E Dryden - corner of Dryden and 1st Street - the property is directly across from the Odessa Post Office. This location offers land that is adequately sized to accommodate new construction plus foreseeable growth. The location is city-owned and central to the community served. This location aligns with our goal of ensuring accessibility for all residents and supporting optimal response times. After thorough evaluation, the Focus Group determined that there are no existing structures that can responsibly meet the department's needs at a cost lower than new construction.

FACILITY DESIGN RECOMMENDATION: NEW FACILITY PROGRAMMING

Recognizing the importance of fiscal responsibility and prioritizing core police operations, officer safety and citizen safety we recommend a focused approach to the new facility's programming. We understand that overall design significantly impacts project costs, and therefore, suggest a reduction in the initial facility footprint to align with current construction budgets. Additionally, we recommend that cost-effective building materials be carefully considered during the design and construction phases to further reduce the overall project cost. While this may result in a smaller initial scope than previously envisioned, it is crucial that the design incorporates strategic planning for future growth and expansion. We believe that the exterior materials of any police facility design should match the aesthetic of the surrounding neighborhood. 

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

The Focus Group emphasizes the importance of:

• Ensuring the new facility is designed to meet the long-term needs of the Odessa Police Department, fulfilling the goal of meeting future growth needs.
• Allocate the public safety sales tax revenue responsibly to ensure the facility meets critical needs in officer safety, evolving policing tactics, community policing initiatives, and long-term maintenance.
• Maintaining fiscal responsibility throughout the project and ongoing funding.
• Prioritizing community input and transparency.