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Some Police Departments Shedding Older Facilities For Modern Digs

The DeKalb Police Department is throwing an open house this weekend to celebrate its new headquarters. Of course, staff have already moved into the building. But officials want the public to check out the facility. DeKalb PD joins a list of other departments in northern Illinois to construct new headquarters in recent years.

DeKalb Police

The new facility, which will be open to the public from 10 am to 3 pm Saturday, is located at 700 W. Lincoln Highway. Officials say one of the key features is some much needed space, including more room to interview suspects. There's also a separate booking area, along with a dedicated area for juvenile suspects. The project comes with a price tag of about $12-million.

Credit Mike Moen
New DeKalb Police Department

Aurora Police

In late 2009/early 2010, the Aurora Police Department moved into a new state-of-the-art headquarters. Officials say the goal was to set the standard for modern police facilities. But the $110-million dollar project spurred debate about spending too much taxpayer money in the wake of a recession.

Winnebago County

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department opened its criminal justice center in 2007. It houses the sheriff's department, the county jail, and several courtrooms. The move meant a split from Rockford's Public Safety Building, which was built in 1976.

The Rockford Police Department has called the PSB its home since it was built. But the department is in the process of launching its geographic policing initiative. The idea is to divide Rockford Police into three separate districts, each with its own station and commander. Officials say they eventually want to move away from the model of having a centralized police headquarters in Rockford.

Credit Winnebago County
The Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center