Arrival Date, Final Cost of New City Police Department Unknown, but Over $7 Million Allocated for Project
By Jeff Toquinto on July 26, 2024
There are two questions regarding the future building of a new Bridgeport Police Department facility.
The first one involves when it will be built. The second question focuses on the financial end of things.
Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang has said repeatedly the process to build the new police facility will be done in a timely and patient manner. Because of that, the answer is vague because the only assurance is that it is coming, and a timeline will not be projected until ground is 
broken after the design is complete.
broken after the design is complete.
As for the cost, here is what Lang knew for sure. It will be a multi-million-dollar project. Although there is another rather vague answer to this question, here is something that is more concrete. There are already millions already set aside for the new building.
According to Bridgeport Finance director Sharon Hinkle, A recent budget revision approved by Bridgeport City Council with carryover dollars sent $1.5 million to what has already been allocated. That total now stands at $3,826,944.
There, however, is more. The city has American Recovery Plan Act dollars of approximately $3,191,050. That leaves a total of $7,017,991.
With the new building still into the near future, that total could increase. And if it does, there is a good likelihood it will be another project where the city will not incur debt and, instead, pay cash for it.
“One of the things the city has done a great job is allocating dollars to meet future needs,” said Lang. “… We do it for items like police 
cruisers or equipment for public works, and it works for extremely large projects as well.”
cruisers or equipment for public works, and it works for extremely large projects as well.”
Lang said that works because the city uses planning, usually in a five-year window, to see what needs are going to be and allocates dollars appropriately. Those dollars are then escrowed until they are needed.
“When you allocate dollars like (Council) did with the budget revision, you are put into a conversation where you have to show one thing carries a higher priority than something else and why a certain amount is needed,” said Lang. “Prioritizing needs, and putting the funds in place to meet those needs, has allowed the city to usually pay for projects and equipment with cash.”
Having the money put back does more than just help the city avoid debt. He said it helps fut
ure elected members of City Council to better be able to do an excellent job.
“If I’m gone tomorrow, or this Council is all new the next time, the next group will have funds that have been allocated to keep the city on a straight path,” said Lang. “It helps a city’s operations when you don’t have to spend money on interest.
“We know we’re luckier than most cities in that respect,” he continued. “We’re privileged to be int that position to do pay cash in most cases.”
Lang said the reason the department is not being put on a rushed timeline is they want to make sure everything is planned out correctly. That includes making sure there is space for growth, including the likely future increase in staff as the city continues to get larger.
As for the current police space at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex, it is continuing to do its job.
“We’re able to do this right on a proper timeline because our department is st
ill functioning. It’s just cramped, very cramped, and the need is clear to build this,” said Lang. “The good news is that operations are still running extremely well.”
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Mayor Andy Lang, while Bridgeport Police Chief (and interim City Manager) Mark Rogers is shown in the second photo. In the bottom photo, Officer Aaron Lantz is shown looking of drug evidence in a cramped area of the police station.
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