MISSOULA – There’s more room for interviews, evidence and detective work at the Missoula Police Department’s new facility on Catlin Street.
The new building helps ease the overcrowded offices at the headquarters in downtown Missoula. The new building, by the Good Food Store, is just over 13,000 square feet with a separate warehouse in the back. The facility also has two interview rooms, 24 offices, and new training and reporting rooms.
There’s also more parking, storage and other special equipment that Police Chief Mike Brady,says they’ve needed for years. That includes an industrial-sized refrigerator and a room to dry out evidence when needed. Architects estimate that there should be enough storage space to last for the next 40 years.
Chief Brady also said new space will make it easier for detective and patrol officers to exchange information.
"It’s going to bring our detectives and our patrol decision back under the same roof and so they’ll be much more easier to communicate with each other. Information will flow better from one side to the other," said Brady.
Construction of the new facility is expected to cost around $2.2 million.
