The Long Beach City Council heard a multi‑part presentation on upgrades to its Police Training Academy and approved a contract amendment to complete additional training structures required by 2025 POST standards.

Public Works staff explained that the new campus includes a 13,000‑square‑foot classroom and admin building, fitness areas and remodeled auxiliary classroom space. Presenters said the city received its certificate of occupancy in October but must complete several site components required by updated state training standards before the facility can host larger classes.

Project staff described the remaining scope as "just shy of $11,000,000," allocating about $4,000,000 for environmental remediation, approximately $2,500,000 for the obstacle course/work sample battery, and roughly $4,000,000 for off‑site manufactured training structures (RAC/gas house/realistic active combat structures). Funding sources cited included the police impact fee ($3.5 million), asset forfeiture funds ($1 million) and bond proceeds (approximately $6.5 million). Construction was estimated to begin in early 2026 and wrap up by year end, subject to environmental remediation and procurement timelines.

Councilmembers congratulated staff for delivering a long‑overdue, modern training facility and asked whether the academy could host outside agencies and accommodate recruits of up to 100 people. Chief Hebesch said the larger classroom and new training elements will enable classes of about 100 and confirmed the department intends to explore training opportunities for neighbouring agencies.

The council approved the contract amendment necessary to proceed toward construction. "This is a 100‑class campaign that we've been running, and we anticipate this to be the largest class in the history of our department," the chief said.

Ending: Staff will finalize procurement and environmental remediation plans; council recorded the vote as "Motion is carried."