Ground Broken for Indio Public Safety Campus

New public safety campus expected to offer Indio residents added peace of mind

INDIO – With shovels of dirt tossed into the air Friday, ground was broken on a new $50 million Public Safety Campus at 46800 Jackson St.

Three buildings at the site will accommodate a dispatch center, Fire Station headquarters and administrative offices for the Police and Fire departments.

The 43,000-square-foot facility is scheduled for completion in Spring 2024. The project will be paid for entirely through bond sales and tax measure dollars.

Indio City Council members, local dignitaries and members of the public were on hand to kick off construction.

“The City of Indio is committed to the safety of its residents, businesses and visitors, which is evident in this state-of-the-art project,” Mayor Waymond Fermon said in a prepared statement. “We would like to thank our residents for their support of the bonds and measures that made this possible. That support is what made this dream a reality.”

Indio Police Chief Mike Washburn“This new Campus reflects a commitment from the City of Indio to enhance safety for our community,” Indio Police Chief Mike Washburn said. “The facility will also provide a new resource for our officers and home for the firefighters that respects the commitment they make to city residents and families every day.”

The City Council’s also recently approved a $57,500 lease for 20 Automatic License Plate Recognition cameras, which are nationally recognized as an effective crime-fighting tool, advancing the Indio’s dedication to security within our city limits.

The technology takes photos and analyzes each vehicle’s license plate, color, and objects such as roof racks and unique hub caps, allowing the Indio Police Department to detect and stop the actual vehicle used in a crime, instead of similar looking vehicles.

The cameras reportedly help residents, businesses, and law enforcement work together to eliminate crime, protect privacy, and mitigate bias.

For more information about the new campus or cameras, click here.