Watch the video above: Tour of Saskatoon’s new police HQ
SASKATOON – After years of anticipation and many setbacks, the brand-new Saskatoon Police Headquarters is nearly ready for the big move-in.
“We’ve just done some tours with people, and the comments were ‘wow that’s amazing’,” said Deputy Chief Bernie Pannell, with Saskatoon police.
The new four-storey station boasts more than 350,000 square feet, an underground parking lot, a gym and hallways that stretch longer than football fields.
It has the ability to accommodate about 650 staff.
“Our building is Chicago-style architecture… We’ve received an awful lot of attention, there’s been a couple of magazines that have done special articles on this building,” said Pannell.
The $122-million station also includes an indoor shooting range.
“We’ve got a firearms simulator system, which is state of the art,” said Pannell.
The current police headquarters has 34 cells while 54 are located in the new station.
An exhibits area features secure, keyless lockers and medical grade scientific fridges that will hold DNA and blood samples.
A forensic centre boasts two state-of-the art bio labs, a chemical lab and a biochemical lab, a big upgrade from the current system.
“Way way more space…we’ve actually fit things like this into a corner somewhere, very old, old equipment,” said Staff Sgt. Susan Grant, Saskatoon police liaison.
The new station also houses an expanded 911 call centre and canine unit.
“Operationally, it’s like night and day,” said Grant.
The new station has seen many delays. The original move-in date was scheduled for last October which was then bumped until April and is now scheduled for June 17.
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