The North Haven Police Department (NHPD) is out of its temporary headquarters in the Mildred A. Wakeley Recreation Center and into its newly renovated building across the street, a $14 million project designed to improve the department’s effectiveness.

“When we initiated the project, our main concern was the lack of space,” said Deputy Chief Kevin Glenn. “We simply grew out of the building that was constructed in 1965.”

Since the building’s construction, the NHPD roster has doubled in size. In addition to needing more space, the NHPD was also facing increased costs associated with repairs to the aging building.

A February 2016 analysis by Capital Studio Architects, LLC, found cracks in the foundation of the building as well as its interior and exterior walls. It also found lead contamination of the basement and pistol range as well as other problems.

The report found that an ideal situation would be to “construct a new facility, in another location, which would be move-in ready for the department.” Minus site acquisition costs, the report suggested that a total replacement of the building would cost the town more than $24 million.

The town elected to follow the more conservative measures outlined in the report, which called for renovations and a modest addition to the building at 8 Linsley Street, a prospect the report said would serve the department for 30 years.

“The new space acquired with the renovation and addition has given us the ability to operate efficiently,” Glenn said. “We are able to provide a more professional service to the visitors of the new building and adequate workspace for our [employees.]”

Construction on the old building began in January 2018 when the NHPD moved into the recreation center. The move back into the new building was final on July 23.

“There are minor finishing touches that will occur over the next few months, but we are fully functioning,” Glenn said.

The town paid for the project with a bonding package of $18 million. The remaining $4 million was spent on improving the department’s radio system, which previously did not completely cover the department’s operational area.

The NHPD will switch to the new radio system sometime in August.

“The new system will provide North Haven Public Safety personnel with enhanced communication capabilities,” Glenn said. “This system enhances our ability to provide the best service to North Haven stakeholders.”

The system also includes a network built in to the school district, which will allow North Haven schools direct access to the emergency communications center.