Police Department Plans New East Precinct Building To Address Security Concerns

The Hillsboro City Council held a work session on July 1, 2025, focusing on the upcoming relocation and expansion of the East Precinct police facility. The meeting began with a presentation detailing the current limitations of the existing building on Cornell Road, which is shared with other businesses and lacks adequate security measures.

Chief Coleman highlighted the need for a larger facility, noting that the new East Precinct will be approximately 15,000 square feet larger than the combined area of the current West and East Precincts, totaling around 67,000 square feet. The current building has been criticized for its vulnerabilities, including instances of vandalism and a lack of privacy for officers and the public. Chief Coleman emphasized that the existing layout poses risks, particularly for desk officers who are exposed to the public without adequate protection.

The presentation included visual aids illustrating the inadequacies of the current setup, such as the evidence room, which utilizes makeshift storage solutions and lacks proper facilities for handling sensitive materials. Chief Coleman pointed out that the current interview rooms are not soundproof, leading to potential privacy violations during sensitive discussions.

Following Chief Coleman's remarks, Jeffrey Cabullo from Public Works took the floor to discuss engineering aspects of the new precinct project. He indicated that the new facility aims to address the operational challenges outlined by Chief Coleman, ensuring a safer and more efficient environment for police operations.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to move forward with the plans for the new East Precinct, with the expectation of vacating the current building by August. The council's discussions underscored the importance of enhancing public safety infrastructure in Hillsboro to better serve the community's needs.