By unanimous vote on March 13, Branford’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) approved a bonding resolution which has paved the way for the renovation of Branford Police Department (BPD) headquarters at 33 Laurel Street.

The RTM’s 27-0 vote amends its January, 2023 resolution approving $325,000 to allow BPD to engage a construction manager to estimate the scope and costs of the work. The RTM vote on March 13 increases the $325,000 resolution by $20 million to account for anticipated renovation construction costs.

The renovation will address identified needs and bring the facility into compliance with accreditation standards, repair outdated equipment, and prepare the building for future decades.

At the request of RTM majority leader Tracy Everson (D, District 5), Deputy Police Chief John Alves described the department’s strategy for continuing to provide police services during the construction period.

During the renovation, the emergency communications dispatch center will continue to operate out of the building at 33 Laurel Street. Additionally, in-person visits from the public will be handled at 33 Laurel Street, and moved to a construction trailer on site during certain points in the process, as needed.

BPD’s patrol division will vacate the building during construction and move to Company One, located in the back of Branford Fire Headquarters. Alves noted this newer building was initially built as a volunteer company, so it has a lot of needed resources in place, such as security cameras, card readers for officers to enter and exit the building securely, a bathroom facility, and networking infrastructure. Alves said the change of locations shouldn’t be a heavy lift for the patrol division.

“It’s important to note most of our work is on the road,” said Alves. “Our officers are out on patrol, [and] police cars are their offices.”

BPD administrative staff will move into the main meeting room at Branford Fire Headquarters. During that period, Town meetings regularly held in meeting room will be relocated to the Branford Community House.

The renovation and construction undertaken at the Laurel Street facility is expected to address current and future Branford police facility needs for 20-plus years.

The full RTM meeting was live streamed and recorded by BCTV.