By By Robbie Byrd, News Editor
A little over a month from the time the announcement was made, the APD has almost finished completion with its first project from a $28,000 grant received by the city for remodeling at the station.
The first part of the project was to enclose the back patio at the station, which at one time used to park APD cruisers.
Now, the area has undergone a complete transformation.
The area was covered and turned into a workroom for officers to complete paperwork and as, essentially, a lounge area.
The new room is complete with computer workstations, a male and a female bathroom for officers (a first for the APD) and, soon, lockers for officers belongings and a conference table.
Also, as part of the new expansion, a separate office has been constructed adjacent to the workroom for supervising officers.
With nine new officers, for a total of 21 patrol officers, the new space was greatly needed, Lovett said.
As part of the APD's new mission to make the station more secure, a sophisticated entry system has been installed in several places throughout the station, including the new workroom.
Officers are provided with a "electronic key," a small plastic card the size of a credit card, they use to enter the station and workroom.
Officers wave the card in front of the door, which then in turn unlocks the door.
The new area is roughly a 540 sq. ft. addition to the station.
Lovett said that the program was a team effort.
In an effort to cut down on cost, the APD tightened their belts and trimmed costs anyway they could.
The APD employs 45 full- and part-time positions.
The grant was received by the city from the Department of Justice.