Back in the 1990s, the city of Kerrville was looking to replace its City Hall — which doubled as a police station.
Keeping the police department downtown was vital.
But finding or constructing a new building would be a challenge.
In 1995, this building became available — the old Greyhound bus station.
It was supposed to be a temporary location. It's been in use for 26 years now.
The truth is the Kerrville Police Department has never had a purpose-built police station — ever.
The conversation about building a new police station, or a public safety complex, has become embroiled in controversy.
It's not a new conversation.
The current police headquarters has become cramped and offers no place for the department to grow.
Stuff is everywhere.
Training rooms won't accommodate large groups.
Records rooms are too small.
Evidence rooms are full. Some items must be kept for years — if not forever.
Getting in and out of the station can be tricky because of Sidney Baker Street. Parking is tight.
When officers come back from an incident, they face a cramped room to file reports.
Everywhere you look, there are challenges for the department that could grow significantly in the next 10 years.
In May, at the earliest, the voters will be asked to approve a new station, along with fire administration and municipal court.
Until then, the Kerrville Police Department will make do.
