Video: Plans For The Starkville Police Dept, Why Renovation Is Needed

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Starkville Police Department is in major need of a new place to call home.

Housed in the old city hall, there are a number of issues plaguing the 60-year-old building.
Talks of building a new Starkville Police Department have been around for years.

“I’ve been here almost 24 years and much of that has been planning a police department,” said Captain Troy Outlaw with the Starkville Police Department.

The department is housed in the old Starkville City Hall, a building that is more than 60 years old.

“All the areas are old, the whole building is old. Just as we were, city hall was struggling and making due with this area too,” said Outlaw.

There are tight spaces, leaks and many more problems. That’s why the city and the department have decided on a renovation project.

“Once they’re finished with this building, you won’t be able to tell a difference between it and a brand new building,” said Outlaw.

The renovation and expansion project totals $5.4 million dollars.

That includes a 26,000 square foot expansion, a complete historic restoration and room for evidence storage.

The Board of Alderman will fund $3 million dollars. Now, they are looking for help to fund the last $2 million.

“So we’re seeking funding from the legislature for the other $2.4 and hopefully we’ll get that,” said Outlaw.

Captain Outlaw says a new department is more than needed for many reasons.

“A great deal of law enforcement includes proper paperwork, proper case files, an area for the officers to sit down and work without being in their patrol cars. And overall morale helps also,” said Outlaw.

Although the city is asking for the rest of the funding to come from the state, Captain Outlaw says it’s important to have the community support also.

“Our job is giving them a good service and we just want their support. And I think this will work out fine,” added Outlaw.

The city hopes to hear a decision from the legislature by mid-April.

If they approve the funding, ground will break on the project this year.