wpd overcrowding
Since the building was constructed in 1974 the size of the WPD has almost doubled, evidence retention requirements have changed, the amount and types of equipment and supplies have increased and technology boomed. To cope with this growth of people and things rooms have been repurposed, closets and storage rooms have been turned into workspaces and hallways have been turned into storage areas. These photos show only a fraction of the overcrowding.
The Dispatch Center was originally designed for one Dispatcher
and was later reduced in size to provide space for what is now the Records Room. Today 2-3 Dispatchers are often on duty at a time, with up to 5 on duty during severe storms, etc. The room is packed with more than 10 computers, more than 15 monitors, additional electronics, 3 workstations and multiple storage cabinets. |
What was originally an Interview Room is now an office for 2 Lieutenants.
When this space was converted the building was left without a dedicated Interview Room. |
A portion of the briefing room/ meeting room/ training room/ Emergency Operations Center now houses a cubicle that is shared by 5 Sergeants.
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A portion of the briefing room/ meeting room/ training room/ Emergency Operations Center now houses a workstation that is shared by 30 officers.
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A forms storage closet lost space to IT wiring
but that space was recouped in the break room... |
...which also serves as the mail room and equipment charging station (alongside the coffee and coffee maker). A workstation for one Patrol Officer
and kitchenette area are also part of the room, out of camera view. |
Because storage rooms have been lost to different purposes or are full,
hallways have been turned into storage areas and other uses. The locking cabinet and drawers above serve as temporary evidence storage. |
This nook under a stairway serves as the Police Union "office."
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The rear hallway serves as storage and also houses a file cabinet, copier...
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...bulletin boards, more office equipment and a workstation.
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Evidence retention requirements have changed since 1974, affecting the amount of storage space needed. The advancements in forensics provides examples:
- More evidence may be gathered due to its potential for lab analysis.
- The statute of limitations on sexual assault cases was eliminated, requiring such evidence be retained essentially forever.
(Left) The Evidence Processing Room doubles as a storage room.
(Center) The floor and every shelf of the Evidence Room is full.
(Right) Due to lack of space in the Evidence Room a trailer was purchased for additional storage. Due to lack of space in the building, equipment is kept there now also.
The trailer's outdoor location behind the WPD buiding leaves its contents in unregulated temperatures.
- More evidence may be gathered due to its potential for lab analysis.
- The statute of limitations on sexual assault cases was eliminated, requiring such evidence be retained essentially forever.
(Left) The Evidence Processing Room doubles as a storage room.
(Center) The floor and every shelf of the Evidence Room is full.
(Right) Due to lack of space in the Evidence Room a trailer was purchased for additional storage. Due to lack of space in the building, equipment is kept there now also.
The trailer's outdoor location behind the WPD buiding leaves its contents in unregulated temperatures.
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Due to lack of space in the building, the garage must be used for storage, eliminating routine availability for vehicles.
When a garage bay is needed to secure a vehicle as evidence officers must temporarily relocate items and then return them once the vehicle is released.
When a garage bay is needed to secure a vehicle as evidence officers must temporarily relocate items and then return them once the vehicle is released.
