GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford Police Department is seeking upgrades to its headquarters at 400 Church St.
Last week, the Guilford Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a request from Chief of Police Christopher Massey to go out to bid for architectural services for the police building improvement project.
“The building was put into action in 1996, and since then it has been operating and meeting our needs,” Massey said. “Unfortunately over the years it’s been in use, certainly there’s been some things that are needing updates, including some of the basic functions of the building.”
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Massey noted the windows, HVAC system and roof are the main areas that need to be upgraded. There’s also a desire to enhance the garage and sally port space, as well as the women’s locker room.
Right now, there are seven female employees within the GPD and space for 10 in the women’s locker room, according to Massey. He said there is a nationwide effort to have police forces be at least 30 percent women by the year 2030.
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“Certainly we’re endeavoring to diversify our police force, including the number of female officers, on a regular basis. We really need the facility to support that,” Massey said.
Additionally, as part of the roof upgrades, Massey said the department would like to consider adding solar technology.
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“We think it’s something we may be able to incorporate here at the police facility to help offset some of the exorbitant electrical costs that we now receive on a monthly basis,” Massey said.
First Selectman Matt Hoey said the project has been “long-coming.” He expressed support, especially for the women’s locker room improvement.
“This is something we have to take care of,” he said.
The GPD attempted to have the on-call architect provide a quote for the project, which came in well over $50,000. Selectman Susan Renner asked Massey how much over $50,000 was the initial quote, and Massey said at least $30,000.
“We do need to go out to bid at this point,” Massey said, noting the department still has $250,000 bonded from a prior project they were planning with the fire department.
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