East Dundee police move into state-of-the-art station

The devil was in the details for Police Chief Terry Mee when it came to planning East Dundee's new state-of-the-art police station.

Unlike the department's former facility, which was attached to the village hall, the newly renovated building next door offers a fitness center, a kitchen and an area for officers to rest in between shifts. Specific rooms are designated for interviewing, booking and taking reports.

And some of the less obvious features - duress buttons and audio and video recording capabilities - ensure better safety and security throughout the $3.9 million facility.

“The difference between the two (facilities) is like night and day,” Mee said, noting that at 11,300 square feet, the new space is three times the size of the original. “We want to make sure it's around for a long time.”

The department's 13 full-time and six part-time officers moved into the new station on Third Street about four weeks ago, Mee said.

“I wonder if some of them are shellshocked,” he said. “They now have all the things you would want in a state-of-the-art building.”

Exterior and interior signage is expected to be put up within a few weeks, Mee said, at which time a grand opening and public open house will take place.

Features new to this facility also include separate male and female locker rooms, a place to store and clean weapons and an area for holding evidence.

A kiosk at the front entrance, which identifies how much energy is being saved by the LEED-certified building, may soon allow residents to pay citations.

Additionally, a training room with movable furniture and projection capabilities allows the department to hold presentations, as well as physical and tactical training sessions, Mee said.

“We've never really had a training space designed the way I wanted it designed,” he said. “This is a one-size-fits-all room. You can do anything in here.”

While officers are thrilled about the new facility, Mee said it's beneficial for the whole community. Concerned residents can speak to an officer in the citizen's report room without being overheard.

Witnesses can be interviewed in a safe and comfortable space.

“To be able to provide some confidentiality and security and safety for our residents,” he said, “it's significant.”