New Mexico Department of Public Safety final rendering of new district state police office. Courtesy/NMSP
NMSP News:
SANTA FE — The Department of Public Safety inaugurated a new district state police office in Santa Fe Wednesday. “Public safety is our most important function of government,” Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, who participated in the ribbon cutting and building dedication.
“This new district office reflects progress and investment in our state, which is vital for protecting all New Mexicans,” Morales said.
“Achieving the mission of the Department of Public Safety requires improvement,” Cabinet Secretary Jason R. Bowie said. “This modern office building is an opportunity to work together as a department and collaboratively with the community we serve. Enhancing and maximizing our work environments ensures we keep New Mexicans safe.”
Chief W. Troy Weisler said, “The work we do should not be for today but should be for the future. The existing DIstrict 1 Office served a different time, profession, and operational standard. A modern-day police agency requires efficiency, technology, and safety to ensure we can better serve the public.”
After more than 54 years of using a 4,000-square-foot building on Santa Fe’s southside, the New Mexico State Police District 1 Office will relocate to a 14,000-square-foot space at the corner of Cerrillos and Jaguar roads. The new two-story building will triple the space, ensuring functional operational efficiencies, The facility will house administration areas, interview rooms, an investigation suite, a squad room, a sally port, booking and holding areas, a staff lounge, and secured parking.
The building sports a new atrium that has direct access to the Law Enforcement Records Bureau (LERB), where citizens may request copies of police and accident reports, letters of good standing, fingerprint and in-state background checks, and review and obtain inspection of public records documents.
The design maximizes views to the east and creates a sense of privacy that allows separate access to each level. The plan addresses comfort, security, and safety for the staff. The total cost of construction was $9,564,088.
The Hartman + Majewski Design Group provided the project’s architectural and interior design services. Pland Collaborate (formerly MRWM) provided the landscaping design and civil structural engineering services by Bohannan Houston and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical engineering services by Bridgers & Paxton. Jaynes Corporation constructed the facility.
The team used their collaborative approach and relevant project expertise to design a safe and welcoming building.