Question 01 · Public Facilities
There when Omaha needs them.
Every day, Omaha asks police officers, firefighters, investigators, emergency medical professionals and public safety staff to be ready. The facilities supporting their work should be ready, too.
Omaha has changed. The headquarters has not.
The current Police headquarters dates to 1970. It is approximately 112,000 square feet, aged asbestos insulation that could enter the air handling system presents health hazards. City leaders have been looking for a replacement for years.
"Omaha's public safety operation has outgrown the facilities built for another era."
The Fire Department faces a different challenge. Administrative functions that support frontline firefighters are spread among multiple locations around Omaha. Consolidating those operations would allow the department to work more efficiently.
The proposed headquarters
Police and Fire. Together for the first time.
The proposed approximately 275,000-square-foot facility would be built on a 3.2-acre site between Cass and Chicago streets near 74th Avenue. It would bring key administrative and operational functions from OPD and OFD together in one headquarters. More than 300 public safety professionals are expected to work there.
The current estimated project cost is approximately $181 million. The City is seeking $155 million in new bonding authority, with previously authorized borrowing capacity expected to help cover the balance.
Current project timeline
Consolidated, specialized public-safety functions.
Real-Time Crime Center
Technology and information supporting officers and investigations in real time — the operational hub of the building.
Investigations
Space for Police investigative units.
Forensic laboratory
Modern facilities supporting evidence and forensic work.
Evidence processing
Dedicated facilities for handling and processing evidence.
EMS support
Administrative and support functions for OFD EMS operations.
Fire prevention
Space for prevention, inspection and related Fire Department functions.
Public education
Facilities supporting public safety education and community engagement.
Community space
An auditorium, public-facing concourse, outdoor plaza, exhibits and meeting spaces.
What it would not be
Not a Police precinct or Fire station. Cruisers and apparatus would not deploy from the building.
Current project timeline
A multi-year process
Voters consider bond authorization.
Design continues, if authorized.
Current schedule anticipates construction beginning.
Current schedule anticipates completion.
Current schedule; subject to change as design and construction progress.
