Work On Casper’s New Police Department Is In Full Swing

One of my favorite times of day is about 4 a.m. I know it sounds weird, and for non-early risers, being up then is ludicrous. One of the best parts of being out and about then is that the world isn't awake yet, and only a few others are on the streets. It's great to see the parts of Casper you may not have time or the ability to see amid the daytime hustle and bustle.

One thing I've watched is the construction work on the future home of the Casper Police Department, the former Casper Business Center, at the southeast corner of 1st and David Streets. I've seen 1st Street reduced to just one lane heading east from Ash to Center. I've watched scaffolding go up and, just a couple of days ago, come down.

Drew Kirby, Townsquare Media

I didn't know until recently that the Casper PD has never had a place to call their own. The department has always been housed in buildings owned by others and rented by CPD. Currently, and for almost half a century, they call Natrona County's 'Hall of Justice' home.

Google Maps

According to an update from the City of Casper, by the end of 2028, Casper's police force will, for the first time ever, have its own home. If all goes right, the new PD, the I-25, and Poplar Street projects may all be finished around the same time. Talk about good timing...I mean, that's a ways out, so I don't want to get too excited yet, but it's still exciting.

Drew Kirby, Townsquare Media

That's exciting because since the police department was formed in 1889, it has grown tremendously. Today, the PD is the largest department under the City of Casper's umbrella, with 174 positions. Because they're so large and they share the Hall of Justice, not everyone who works with the department is physically working AT the department. Simply, they are out of space.

The new building will give the department the space it needs to bring everyone together under one roof and room to grow in the future. Plus, the move will offer much more parking for the public and department vehicles.

The project is still in the early stages, but since work began, the City announced in August that it would provide monthly updates so the public can stay informed about progress.

According to the September update, a lot has already happened.

One of the most visible milestones is happening on the exterior of the building. Window replacement is nearing completion, and crews have begun removing the scaffolding that has surrounded the building during much of this work. Inside, Phase II construction continues to progress well, with major mechanical and electrical systems beginning to come together. This phase also includes plumbing, , structural improvements and other core infrastructure that will support the completed facility.

I'll keep reminding you about the updates each month, but if you want to read the first couple and learn more about the history of the Casper Police Department and its rented homes over the years, you can do that HERE on the City of Casper's website. 

Stay tuned; we have an exciting couple of years ahead.