Suffolk News-Herald

With the snip of a ribbon, Mayor E. Dana Dickens III on Wednesday opened the door to a new era in public safety in downtown Suffolk.

City leaders, police officers and citizens gathered for the dedication of the new $1.8 million East Washington Street Police Precinct.

Located on the corner of East Washington and Pinner streets, the 9,800-square-foot building will become home to many officers who already work from the headquarters on Market Street. It will also house the community police division, which is now based in a trailer at John F. Kennedy Middle School, and officers working from the temporary precinct that opened on East Washington Street two years ago.

The two-story facility is equipped with the latest policing technology and features holding cells, interview rooms, a public meeting rooms and office space on the top floor.

It will be ready for occupancy by the end of June, said Gerry Jones, capital program management director.

The city has made significant investments in public safety facilities recently. Two months ago, the $3.4 million North Suffolk Public Safety Center opened on Bridge Road. Last year, the city also completed an expansion to the Holland Fire Station.

Dickens and other city leaders stressed the precinct is one of the first components showing the council’s commitment to revitalize the greater downtown area, making it safer for residents and the business community.