RI city leaders want to build new police station - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

RI city leaders want to build new police station

By: Katie Jones

 kjones@cbs4qc.com

It houses those who protect and serve but one QC police department is in desperate need of help itself.  As you can imagine the Rock Island police station has had it's fair share of wear and tear since it was built in 1940 and the chief says the lack of space and storage is a big safety concern.

Chief Jeff VenHuizen said putting band–aids over constantly growing problems is costing too much time and money. 

"The building is over 70 years old, the Police Department has made due for quite some time and the conditions are not improving," said Chief VenHuizen.

The aging building is full of cracks and Chief VenHuizen said they're cramming staff equipment and evidence into every little nook and cranny.

"There are laws that govern the destruction of evidence and some of it we have to keep for long periods of time," said Chief VenHuizen.

The station wasn't built to handle today's technology.  So, Rock Island leaders are looking at options.  In Mayor Dennis Pauley's State of the City speech, he said the police department is a top priority and the chief says an updated facility will benefit the entire community.

 "Any time the PD is more effective in their operations, it will better service our citizens," said Chief VenHuizen.

Nothing is set in stone but Mayor Pauley says he hopes to start construction on the police station by late fall and he says there will be no taxpayer increases for the project.