Architects tell Vernon Hills trustees Phase 1 study finds operational, safety and storage gaps at police campus; board authorizes Phase 2 study

FGM Architects presented Phase 1 of a police campus planning study during a committee meeting, saying the department’s two-building campus — the 754 main station and the adjacent 740 building — creates visitor confusion, requires staff and visitors to move through operational work areas, and mixes evidence and operational storage in ways that risk chain-of-custody and staff safety. "When you first come to the station ... it's not so clear," architect Raymond Lee said, describing circulation problems that send visitors across parking lots and through staff areas.

The consultants identified specific functional shortfalls and safety concerns. They recommended a baseline ("essential") facility size of about 46,000 square feet — roughly 12,800 square feet larger than current occupied space — to address essential needs such as additional interview rooms, counseling/victim spaces, evidence processing and…