Quickchat: Designing Police Stations: Balancing Security, Wellness, and Community Warmth

Join us for this Officer quickchat as Editorial Director, Frank Borelli, checks in with Patrick Callahan, Craig Meadows, and Scott Delano with Studio GC.

As much as every law enforcement professional walks in and out of their station or precinct, very few ever stop to look around and consider the design features that surround them. Sure, maybe we understand why a certain door is constructed of metal and has an electronic lock, and maybe we think about the ballistic “glass” that the stationhouse clerk sits behind to greet community members. But beyond that? We likely don’t pay attention to anything but cleanliness and general appearance. Unfortunately, that outlook gets carried through the ranks as we promote and become responsible for the very design features we never give consideration to. Well, here is part of a solution for that challenge.

The OFFICER team coordinated an informative call with several representatives from Studio GC, an architectural design company that specializes in public safety spaces. The conversation held (and recorded in the above video) was informative in several surprising ways. What makes their approach most appreciated for many veteran officers is the company's focus on design features that promote health and wellness for officers. That’s balanced by features that welcome the community, make the facility secure, but still leave the facility feeling emotionally warm. You really have to watch and listen to understand that one.

During the conversation you can learn who the key players are in developing the needs and requirements of a new facility; what materials are used in which locations to balance security, durability and community welcome; and how specific locations within the facility can be designed to be as stress-free and stress reducing as possible.

Whether you are in the midst of designing a new station, are renovating an older one, or are simply interested in learning how station design can impact your mental and emotional health, this roughly 20-minute discussion is full of information you can use.

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