The Phoenix Police Department’s Communications Bureau has officially moved in to their brand new communications center at the recently renovated police headquarters located at 100 West Washington Street in downtown Phoenix. According to a recent press release on the City of Phoenix's official website, this move marks the first fully operational work group to be housed in the new building, signaling the beginning of a new era for the department’s communication operations.
The new center spans 14,000 square feet per floor, spread across three floors, designed to create a better work environment for employees. In a statement obtained by the City of Phoenix, Acting Chief Dennis Orender expressed his pride, saying, “These dedicated members of our department are the calm voices in our moments of crisis. When the community calls, they’re answering. This workspace reflects our operators’ and dispatchers' professionalism and their dedication.” The workspace includes ergonomic desks, wellness rooms, quiet rooms, and nursing rooms for mothers.
Allie Edwards, the Communications Bureau Administrator, told the City of Phoenix that “This facility represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to providing exceptional service to our community.” The center boasts updated emergency communications software that promises increased efficiency and reliability. This upgrade is critical as the center handles an immense volume of calls, averaging approximately 2.2 million calls each year.
The building where the center resides was previously occupied by Wells Fargo before the City of Phoenix purchased it back in 2021. Renovations began in the year of 2023, repurposing the structure into a modern command center. The rest of the police department will follow suit, with additional relocations to the building scheduled to commence in fall of 2025. The overarching goal is to boost efficiency and collaboration within the department by uniting all its operations under one roof.
Ultimately, the move of the Communications Bureau is a crucial step in the Department's multi-year relocation plan. As the transformation of the former bank tower into the central hub for Phoenix’s public safety operations continues, it sets the stage for a more integrated and technologically advanced future for the city’s police force.
