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Police Describe Repeated Incidents at Law Enforcement Center Parking Area; Committee Reviews Fence Proposal, Asks for Alternatives
Summary
Topeka — Oct. 21, 2025 — Police and city staff told the Infrastructure Committee that repeated vehicle burglaries, property damage and people loitering in the open Law Enforcement Center parking area have led them to propose a fence to secure most patrol and employee vehicles.
Topeka — Oct. 21, 2025 — The Topeka Police Department and city staff described recurring security incidents in the open employee and fleet parking area at the Law Enforcement Center and presented a fence proposal intended to secure employee and many patrol vehicles.
Major Kazaar and Lieutenant Johnson told the committee the department logs repeated incidents at the open parking area, including vehicle burglaries and damage, people walking through and recording license plates, urination in the lot, a trash‑can fire, and people sleeping overnight in the lobby or lot. "We have people walk into our parking lot every day because it's open," one Topeka Police Department official told the committee, adding that the fence would not affect public visitor access to the department's public entrances but would prevent people from walking among police and employee vehicles and equipment.
Staff presented a map showing the proposed fence along the west edge of the property; staff said the fence would tie into the parking garage structure at the northwest corner. The design shown at the committee used chain‑link as a cost‑effective baseline, but staff asked bidders to provide alternates that would be more decorative while offering similar security. Council members expressed concern about chain‑link fencing on Kansas Avenue and urged staff to consider more attractive, durable alternatives even if the cost is higher.
Councilwoman Amparo Ortiz asked how frequently the incidents occur and whether employee ingress/egress would be practical; staff said the employee entrances inside the fenced area would use badge access and the underground garage is already gated after hours. Councilman Neil Dobler asked whether the fence ties into existing walls and confirmed the fence runs along Kansas Avenue and ties to the garage structure.
No appropriation or final design decision was made at the committee meeting; staff said they would receive bids that include alternates for appearance and return with cost comparisons and recommended options.
