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Tempe cops get to sleep on the job - The building will offer the following features for employees: - Quiet rooms for breaks and sleeping. Well I guess it is better if they are asleep at work instead of violating people civil rights!
May 5, 2007 Tempe police beef up presence on Apache Blvd. Katie McDevitt, Tribune A stronger police presence will soon emerge on Apache Boulevard in Tempe as a new substation opens its doors May 14. Officials hope the facility at 1855 E. Apache Blvd. will provide much-needed assistance to local residents and business owners who have dealt with crime in their area for years. Today, the community is invited to stop by the 80,000-square-foot red brick substation for a tour. “We wanted to be in a position where our officers are closer to the community we serve,” said Tempe police spokesman Sgt. Mike Horn. “Now you have this building right on the road. Here we are right on their doorstep to do whatever it is we can.” New Era Beauty Salon owner Aruza Urrutia said she is hoping the increased police presence will “clean up the place” and “make it better.” “I’ve gotten broken into a couple times, and I’m hoping they will be too scared to do this now,” Urrutia said. The $22.3 million project was funded by a 2002 voterapproved bond issue, Horn said. About 200 employees, who are currently crowded into police headq u a r t e rs downtown, will move to the new facility. This will include the north patrol unit, traffic bureau, property and evidence managers, the crime analysis unit and large vehicles, such as the ones used by the bomb squad. The move will clear space in the overcrowded main station, which has been downtown for more than 20 years. “The community wanted to see more presence in this area, and they will definitely see more squad cars,” said motorcycle officer Mark Register, who is assistant project manager. Also available to the community will be art displays, a community meeting room and plaza, and an exhibit covering the history of Tempe police. The building will offer the following features for employees: • Large ventilated lockers with their own electrical sockets. • Quiet rooms for breaks and sleeping. • Rooms with individual desks to write reports. • A fully equipped workout facility with televisions and stereos. • Extra-large equipment lockers. • Large training and briefing rooms. Also, a large room with walls of windows and a patio will serve as the new communications center for dispatchers in 2008. “I feel good about it because it’s going to be safer and protect the neighborhood better,” said Nasser Mashni, manager at Bronco Liquor. “Who’s going to mess with you with a police station across the street?” Open house What: Police substation grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today Where: 1855 E. Apache Boulevard Details: Tours will be provided for the public, and police equipment and animals will be on display. Mayor Hugh Hallman and police Chief Tom Ryff will speak. Refreshments also will be served. |